Abul Kalam Azad, an independent candidate for the Comilla-4 constituency, has claimed that five leaders from the Awami League were appointed as agents for other party’s candidates to illegally control polling stations and cast fake votes for the ruling party candidate contesting for the seat.
The accused leaders are Saiful Islam Shamim, Debidwar Municipality Awami League nominated mayor, now an agent for the National Peoples Party (NPP); Liton Sarkar, North Comilla District Swechchhasebak League general secretary, agent for Bangladesh Kallyan Party; Saddam Hossain, Debidwar Upazila Swechchhasebak League general secretary, agent for Islami Oikya Jote; Md Abu Kausar Anik, North Comilla District Chhatra League former president, agent for Bangladesh Supreme Party; Iqbal Hossain, Debidwar Upazila Chhatra League former convener, agent for Bangladesh Tariqat Federation.
Abul Kalam Azad claims that the individuals are supporters of his opponent, Raji Mohammad Fakhrul, the ruling party candidate.
He alleged that their current roles as agents for other party candidates, despite being strong supporters of the Boat, have caused public concern.
Abul Kalam Azad suspects they are appointed as agents for dummy candidates to illegally control polling stations and cast fake votes for the boat symbol candidate.
Complaints for violations of the electoral code of conduct against Liton Sarkar, Saddam Hossain, and Abu Kausar Anik have been filed with the returning officer.
Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Nigar Sultana confirmed receiving the complaint. She said the chargesheet had been sent to the election inquiry committee.
Debidwar municipality mayor Saiful Islam Shamim, a supporter of the boat candidate, said: "If any candidate nominates me as an agent I should not have any problem in performing my duty.”
The 12th national polls is scheduled for Sunday.
