The Election Commission has asked the Barisal deputy commissioner (DC) to investigate and submit a report against central leaders of the Jatiya Party (JaPa) including Golam Mohammad Quader for the alleged violation of the electoral code of conduct in the Barisal City Corporation polls.
The DC has been asked to investigate the allegations and submit a report by Saturday.
A letter sent to DC by the Election Commission stated that as per various print and electronic media reports, the deputy leader of the opposition in parliament Golam Mohammad Quader along with other leaders participated in processions, showdowns, meetings, election campaigns, and electoral activities with the JaPa-nominated mayoral candidate Iqbal Hossain Tapos in the Barisal City Corporation election before the allotment of symbols.
According to the electoral code of conduct, no one can carry out campaigning prior to the allotment of symbols. It also says that VIPs like MPs, and cabinet members cannot take part in electioneering.
Assistant Returning Officer Waheduzzaman Munshi said that after holding a meeting on behalf of the JaPa candidate on Thursday, the central leaders along with the nominated mayor candidate tried to enter the city with a motorcycle fleet.
However, they were stopped by the police.
Monitoring the entire matter, the Election Commission asked the deputy commissioner of Barisal to investigate whether there was a violation of the electoral code of conduct.
DC Jahangir Hossain said that he has been asked to submit the investigation report by Saturday on whether there was a violation of the code of conduct by the JaPa candidate.
He has asked an additional district magistrate to investigate the allegation and submit a report.
Iqbal Hossain Tapos, JaPa nominated mayor candidate for the BCC polls dismissing the allegations of violation, claimed that the rally was held in Babuganj upazila outside the jurisdiction of Barisal City Corporation.
So there was no incident of violation of the electoral code of conduct, he added.
The Barisal City Corporation election is scheduled to be held on June 26, and symbols will be allocated on May 26.
