Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad on Monday said the government officials are not above the election code of conduct.
“All, including the government officials, must abide by the election code of conduct,” he said while replying to a query at a views-exchange meeting at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute auditorium ahead of the maiden election to Gazipur City Corporation (GCC).
Describing vote as a people’s constitutional right, Rakibuddin said an opportunity must be created for smooth exercising of their franchise.
He urged all candidates as well as the voters to present a fair election by following the electoral rules.
The CEC also informed the audience of various steps taken by the Election Commission to check the use of black money in the election, and the violation of electoral rules.
EC secretary Dr Mohammad Sadik, returning officer Matiar Rahman and police super of Gazipur Abdul Baten, among others, spoke at the views-exchange meeting.
The returning officer told the meeting that punitive action was taken against 32 candidates following 32 allegations of violation of the election code of conduct.
He also said a total of 19 mobile courts are engaged in the election area.
Meanwhile, electioneering in the GCC polls has reached its peak with central leaders of Awami League and BNP joining the campaign to woo voters in favour of the mayoral aspirants blessed by their parties.
Awami League advisory council member Tofail Ahmed, Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon, Asim Kumar Ukil, Apu Ukil MP, Nazrul Islam MP, AKM Mozammel Haque MP, Zahid Hasan Russell MP, Yusuf Abdullah Harun MP, Narayanganj City Corporation mayor Dr Selina Hayat Ivy and actor Nader Chowdhury, among others, conducted mass contacts in favour of the 14-party alliance-supported candidate Ajmat Ullah Khan.
On other hand, BNP standing committee member Tariqul Islam, BNP chairperson’s advisors Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Iqbal Hasan Mahdud Tuku, Barrister Shahjahan Omar, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Maj Gen (retd) Mahmudul Hasan MP, BNP vice-chairman Selima Rahman, joint secretary general Amanullah Aman, Jubo Dal president Moazzem Hossain Alal and Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee MP, among others, campaigned for Mannan.
