At least 20 Chittagong city poll aspirants, including mayoral candidates M Manjur Alam, AJM Nasir Uddin and Solaiman Alam Seth, were served show-cause notices yesterday for violating electoral code of conduct.
Returning Officer Md Abdul Baten issued the notices. The aspirants were asked to be present at Chittagong Regional Election Office by April 5 with written explanations, said Assistant Returning Officer Md Shafiqur Rahman.
He said BNP-backed candidate Manjur, who is going to contest the polls under the banner of Chattagram Unnayan Andolon, had set up election camps to conduct campaigns.
“Banners of Awami League-backed candidate Nasir were seen despite the Election Commission’s order to remove all materials,” he said.
“Another aspirant Solaiman, who is also a Jatiya Party Presidium Member, allegedly attached posters and set up election camps. Similar allegations were raised against 17 other general ward councillor aspirants.”
Electoral code of conduct suggests that candidates can start campaign 21 days before voting.
“This means the candidates will be allowed to conduct campaigns from April 7,” said Baten.
The nomination forms will be scrutinised tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. The last date for withdrawal of nomination is April 9. Election symbols will be fixed on April 10.
