Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has expressed regret over his previous statements regarding the assault on Faizul Karim, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) mayoral candidate in the Barisal city polls.
He asserted that his words had been distorted by the media.
The Election Commission issued a press release on Monday conveying the regret of the chief election commissioner (CEC).
According to the press release, media claimed, CEC wished IAB mayoral candidate Faizul 's Karim's death, were entirely false, made up, speculative, and rife with misconceptions.
The release also added CEC never made any comments that harmed the reputation and honour of IAB mayoral candidate Faizul Karim.
He is carrying out the duties assigned to him with transparency and impartiality according to the constitution and prevailing laws of Bangladesh and without being partial to any political party or candidate, the release added.
The EC further emphasized that the dissemination of such fabricated information was a deliberate attempt to provoke controversy and undermine the credibility of both the commission and the CEC.
The incident gained attention on June 12, when the mayoral candidate of Islami Andolan was subjected to an assault during the Barisal City Corporation elections.
Addressing the attack, CEC, Kazi Habibul Awal, said: "Has the candidate passed away? No. We did not observe any signs of bleeding. Based on what I have heard, someone struck him from behind."
In response to these comments, Islami Andolan has served a legal notice to the CEC, demanding an apology, resignation, and compensation amounting to Tk500 crore. They have also requested the retraction of the statement.
