EC asks Pabna MP to leave Bera

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Pabna-1 lawmaker Shamsul Haque Tuku requesting him to leave the electoral area (Bera upazila) ahead of November 28 Bera municipality polls for the sake of maintaining electoral code of conduct.

The Awami League MP received the notice, but he was staying in the area till last afternoon citing personal reasons. He, however, claimed he does not violate electoral code of conduct.

The lawmaker's son, Asif Sams Ranjan, is contesting the mayoral polls on AL ticket.

More than one mayor candidate complained against the lawmaker over influencing the election violating the electoral code of conduct, said Md Mahabubur Rahman, Pabna district election officer and also the returning officer of Bera municipality polls.

"According to the electoral rules [section 22], important personalities, including lawmakers, do not stay in the electoral area to make sure that the election is not influenced. We have requested the lawmaker to leave the area ahead of the election for the sake of maintaining the electoral code of conduct." Mahabubur said.

Speaking to The Daily Star, lawmaker Tuku yesterday said he was staying at his home in Bera and was not violating the electoral code of conduct.

"I am staying at my home and this is my right. I don't take part in any polls campaign and never influence the election. I have no intention of influencing the polls."

He said he would go to Dhaka soon to join the current parliament session.

Campaigning in the municipality polls began on Friday. A total of five candidates are taking part in the election.

Tuku, also a former state minister for home affairs, thanked the returning officer for trying to hold an impartial and peaceful election.

"I am happy that the election officials are working to hold a peaceful and impartial election."

He said the Awami League is a well organised organisation and its leaders and activists will work for the party mayor candidate.