The Election Inquiry Committee has recommended taking legal action against the Awami League nominated candidate for Comilla-6 constituency, AKM Bahauddin Bahar.
The committee made this recommendation as the allegations of assault on journalists against Bahar were proved.
In accordance with the relevant sections of the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Representation of the People Act (RPO), the inquiry committee has recommended taking suitable actions.
According to the relevant section of the RPO, there is a provision of 1-5 years of imprisonment and fine while the election code of conduct stipulates a maximum sentence of six months and a fine of Tk50,000.
As per the report, during AKM Bahauddin Bahar's election campaign on December 20, the reporter and cameraman of the private channel Ekattor TV were attacked by his presence and directives. Meanwhile, their electronic equipment and cell phones were seized.
According to the inquiry report, the committee thoroughly investigated the aforementioned complaint and occurrence. The committee visited the scene of the event and questioned Ekattor Television's correspondent, Kazi Enamul Haque Farooq, as part of the probe. In relation to these charges and situations, AL candidate Bahauddin Bahar was asked to show cause and filed his signed explanation via the representative.
The AL candidate alleged in a written statement that his rival independent candidate Anjum Sultana Seema has a connection with Ekattor Television's own reporter Kazi Enamul Haque Farooq and is spreading falsehoods.
The report stated that the attack occurred because of news coverage of the concerned candidate's election campaign, and that Bahauddin Bahar's APS Iqbal Hossain, as well as his leaders and supporters, were charged in the incident.
Besides, in a courtyard meeting in the constituency, Bahauddin Bahar said, "If any BNP and Jamaat worker is found in favor of any candidate, you will break his hands, I AM Bahauddin is with you." The inquiry committee termed the statement a violation of the code of conduct and recommended similar legal action.
Notably, the EC has ordered a case against Mostafizur Rahman of Chittagong-16 constituency and Abdul Hai of Jhenaidah-1 constituency for violating the code of conduct.
