The Election Commission (EC) yesterday show-caused two mayoral candidates, Awami League-backed Sayeed Khokon and parliamentary opposition Jatiya Party-backed Saifuddin Milon, for violating the election code of conduct.
The show cause notices were signed by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) polls Returning Officer Mihir Sarowar Murshed. The two candidates have been asked to respond by 3pm today.
AL-backed Khokon was show-caused for meeting about the election with party leaders on Friday. Saifuddin was asked to explain why his campaign had put up posters before the permitted campaign period.
Candidates may seek votes after April 7 according to the city polls code of conduct. They may formally start canvassing after the allocation of symbols on April 10.
When contacted about the show cause notice, Sayeed Khokon told the Dhaka Tribune: “I have heard about it, but have not received a copy of the letter from the EC yet.”
“After I receive the notice, I will give an appropriate reply,” he added.
On Friday, Khokon offered Jumah prayers at Chawkbazar Shahi Masjid in old Dhaka before having lunch at the home of Dhaka city unit AL Joint General Secretary Haji Mohammad Salim, who had also intended to contest the DSCC mayoral race.
Salim was reportedly forced to relinquish his bid and extend his support for Khokon, the party-backed DSCC mayoral candidate, under pressure from the party’s high command.
After the prayers, Khokon told journalists: “Salim Bhai invited me over to offer Jumah prayers and to have lunch with him.”
Several Awami League leaders – Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Shamsul Haque Tuku, Abdur Razzak, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury and MA Aziz – were present.
Responding to journalists’ questions about the meeting with party leaders over the city polls, Khokon claimed the gathering did not violate the election code.
“Our party leaders came here at the invitation of Salim Bhai and some others also showed up,” Khokon said.
