Jatiya Oikya Front has sent a letter to the chief election commissioner (CEC) on Sunday, asking him to stop the free textbook distribution today by the prime minister—citing it as a violation of the election code of conduct.
In the letter sent by Dr Kamal Hossain to the CEC, KM Nurul Huda, it says that letting the prime minister inaugurate the “Book Festival” gives her unfair advantage.
According to the letter, the inauguration of the free text book distribution is done by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the expense of public money on every December 30, which also happens to be election day this year.
Dr Kamal in the letter further said: “People think that the EC is not able to perform their duty properly. Candidates from the ruling party and alliance are regularly breaching the electoral code of conduct and EC is indifferent to these transgressions.
"It also proves the helplessness of the EC."
The prime minister, chief of Awami League, is running for office from Gopalganj 3. Oikya Front office Coordinator, Jahangir Alam Mintu, says if she is allowed to participate in the book distribution program, it will help the prime minister influence the election process.
Mintu who handed over the letter to the CEC, said: “It is the EC's duty to ensure equal opportunity for all candidates, for a free, fair, and credible election.”
