Photo : Messenger
In a bid to ensure the sanctity of the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections, the Election Commission (EC) is set to adopt a hardline stance against candidates if found in violation of the electoral code of conduct. Those failing to adhere to the prescribed rules may face severe penalties, including the cancellation of their candidatures.
Sources within the Election Commission have revealed a growing trend of candidates disregarding the code of conduct leading up to the January 7 elections. The commission is particularly concerned about the escalating levels of violence associated with these violations, with approximately 40 reported incidents of clashes between rival candidates and their supporters.
Despite prior warnings, reprimands, legal actions, and even imprisonment, candidates and their supporters seem undeterred, continuing to flout the electoral code with apparent impunity. The Election Commission finds this trend deeply troubling and, in response, has decided to enforce the cancellation of candidature as a stringent penalty for those breaching the code of conduct.
The Election Commission has already dispatched instructions to the returning officers, urging them to be vigilant in identifying and reporting code violations. The commission awaits the submission of investigation reports before taking decisive action against the violators of the code of conduct and those involved in election-related violence.
Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman said that the Election Commission (EC) is going to take a strict decision regarding election violence and violations of code of conduct. The candidature of some will also be rejected. He further said that the EC will take tough decisions. There is no apprehension, fear, or favour. Everything necessary for free, fair, and impartial elections will be done.
Another Election Commissioner Md. Alamgir said that the Election Commission has not decided to cancel the candidature of anyone in case of a violation of the electoral code of conduct or violence. However, strong messages are delivered everywhere.
Analysing various incidents in the media in the last few days, it can be seen that independent candidates are strong in several places. They attacked workers and supporters of the boat candidates. Again, in many places, the supporters of the boat candidate attacked. Arguments between workers and supporters are turning into a murder-clash.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission is going hardline to prevent these. More than two hundred candidates have already been reprimanded multiple times for violating the code of conduct. It has been found that the election inquiry committees formed by the Election Commission have so far taken into account the complaints of violations of 211 rules of conduct and issued show cause notices to the concerned candidates.
Among them, 91 candidates are nominated by the Awami League. Again, 52 of them are current members of Parliament (MP). Many heavyweight candidates for the Awami League have already been summoned to show cause. Some of them are ministers, state ministers, or members of parliament. In addition to the summons, the EC has also ordered the election officials of the respective areas to file a case against some of the accused.
A case has been filed against Awami League candidate Abdul Hai of Jhenaidah-1 (Shailkupa) constituency for violating the code of conduct. Shailkupa Upazila Election Officer Tajul Islam filed two separate cases in the Senior Judicial Magistrate Court on Sunday. Earlier, the Election Commission (EC) sent a letter and directed the upazila election officer to file a case against the candidate Abdul Hai.
The Commission has taken the final decision in the case against Awami League candidate of Chittagong-16 Constituency Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury and some other candidates.
Apart from this, the decision of the case against current MP and Awami League candidate Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu of Barguna-1 constituency, State Minister for Women and Child Affairs, and Awami League candidate for Gazipur-5 constituency Meher Afroz Chumki’s APS Md Majedul Islam is waiting for approval.
Besides, the Election Commission has ordered an investigation against Awami League candidate A.K.M. Bahauddin Bahar of Comilla-6 constituency on the allegation of beating up a journalist. Before this, the Election Inquiry Committee had given two show-cause letters to Bahauddin for violating the election code of conduct.
Political analysts said that anyone can stand for election. But there is no reason to clash. These should be looked into by the Election Commission. There is no need to file a written complaint in all cases. The Election Commission can take action by seeing what everyone can see.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) ordered the recall of Habiganj District Commissioner (DC) Devi Chand yesterday. Letters have been sent to the Ministry of Public Administration and the Ministry of Home Affairs with this instruction on Monday (December 25). It has been mentioned in the letter that the decision to withdraw Devi Chand has been taken to conduct the 12th National Parliamentary Elections in a fair and impartial manner. The letter also asked for steps to withdraw Devi Chand and post a suitable officer in Habiganj.
Earlier, the OCs of Shailkupa and Harinakundu police stations in Jhenaidah were withdrawn as allegations of 'inattentiveness and dereliction of duty' were proved in the retaliatory attacks surrounding the election campaign. The EC took this decision at the Agargaon election building on Saturday afternoon.
Messenger/Disha
