<i>Building bridge at last moment to 'bridge gap'</i>
24 fined in Gaibandha for violating poll code
BENEVOLENCE 12 DAYS BEFORE POLLS! Workers busy building a bamboo-made bridge over this canal at Chat Chalkbarul village in Badiakhali union of Gaibandha Sadar upazila as Atowar Rahman, an aspirant for the union parishad chairman post, took the initiative to woo voters in the union only 12 days ahead of the election, violating code of conduct.Photo: STAR
A chairman candidate in Badiakhali Union of Gaibandha Sadar upazila is building a bamboo bridge over a canal to woo voters in the union only 12 days ahead of election, breaching code of conduct. In seven other unions of the upazila, a mobile court yesterday fined 24 chairman and member candidates on charge of violating the election rules. Chairman aspirant Atowar Rahman has engaged his supporters to construct the bridge at Chat Chalkbarul village in Badiakhali Union to gain support from voters. “We are erecting the 150-metre long makeshift bridge that will cost around Tk one lakh,” said the campaigners of the chairman candidate. They said the locals face immense trouble to cross the canal during rainy season and the bridge will help a lot to mitigate their sufferings. A former member of Badiakhali Union Parishad said chairman candidate Atowar Rahman is erecting the bamboo bridge at his own cost only to win the election. He should be punished for violating election code of conduct, the ex-member added. Refuting the allegation, Atowar Rahman said question of donation does not arise as local people are also contributing bamboos and other materials to build the bridge. Contacted, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Ashib Ahsan said if any candidate spends money on such activities, he or she will face action on charge of violating election code of conduct. “As of now, we have not received any complaint,” the UNO added. Twenty-four candidates in seven other unions of the upazila were fined for violating election code of conduct. The court led by the UNO Md Ashib Ahsan, also the executive magistrate, launched the drives and fined the candidates for pasting posters on walls. The magistrate realised Tk 18,500 from Jahangir Alam, Saidul Hasan of Kuptola Union; Manik Mia, Sabu Mia, Abu Taleb of Kamarjani Union; Swadhin Mia, Tara Mia, Sheikh Sachib, Shafiqul Islam of Kholahati Union; Abdul Hamid, Abdul Matin, Saidur Rahman, Hafizur Rahman, Ataur Rahman, Abu Awal of Ghagoa Union; Masud Mia, of Ballamjhar Union; Emdadul Islam, Kasimuddin, Badal Mia of Gideri Union; Ramsha Begum, Abdur Rashid, DR Nazmul Huq, Abdul Hannan and Rabeya Begum of Laxmipur Union. Of the candidates, three are contesting for chairman post while the rest for member posts.
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