Kids used in poll-related work defying ban

Children were used by the candidates in the union parishad elections at Bishwanath upazila of Sylhet district yesterday for doing election-related work, defying the ban on involving kids in such activities.

When this correspondent visited the upazila yesterday, he saw children giving number slips to voters for a candidate in Barakurma Government Primary School area in Alankar union under the upazila.

Nazrul Islam, 13, Badol, 12, and Nayon Miah, 14, were seen pasting posters on walls for Md Muktar Ali, a UP member candidate of the union. They said they were getting Tk 300 each for the job.

When asked about using children for election work, Muktar said, "They (children) may be getting involved spontaneously. I did not engage them in such activities."

Jasim, 12, Moinul, 11, and Abdul Hasem, 13, were seen doing the same work at Betsandri Government Primary School centre area of the union for chairman candidate MA Haque for Tk 400 each. MA Haque also refuted the allegation.

Sughayn Chakma, assistant superintendent of police (ASP) of Sylhet, said nobody has complained in this regard. He did not find such things happening during the drive conducted against violation of the code of conduct.

"Action will be taken if anyone is found employing children in such unlawful activities," the ASP added.