AL candidate violates election code

Jatiya Party (JP) nominated candidate M Harun-ur-Rashid of the district alleged at a press conference called by him at his office yesterday that Awami League (AL) nominated candidate Kanak Kanti Das violated the election code of conduct ahead of the upcoming Zila Parishad polls on December 28.

He filed a general diary (GD) with Shailkaupa Police Station in this connection on Monday.

Harun said supporters of Kanak Kanti Das attacked him, vandalised his hired microbus, blasted bombs and beat up his supporters while he was campaigning in Ghorshal union under Sadar upazila on December 18. They also took away the microbus, some important papers and a magazine with eight bullets of his licensed pistol, Harun added.

"Kanak's men are threatening me and my supporters, saying that they will not let my agents enter the polling centres. They also said they will compel the voters to cast votes in front of them," Harun said.

He added that he informed the district election office several times about the matter, but no step has been taken yet. "Finding no alternative, I held a press conference," Harun said. 

District Election Officer Jahangir Hossain said three candidates for the chairman's post have submitted their nomination papers. They are AL nominated Kanak Kanti Das, JP nominated M Harun-ur-Rashid and JSD nominated Imdadul Haque. Seventy-two candidates are vying for 15 posts of member, and 18 female candidates have submitted nomination papers for five reserved seats.

As many as 967 voters, including UP chairmen, members, mayor, councillors, upazila chairmen and vice- chairmen will cast their votes. BNP and Jamaat have not nominated any candidate.

He added that he will look into the allegation brought against the AL nominated candidate.