NID misuse, poll-time donations punishable offence

The Election Commission yesterday warned that carrying, collecting or transferring another person’s National Identity Card, as well as promising donations during election campaigns, are punishable offences under the law.

In a press release signed by EC Director (Public Relations) Ruhul Amin Mollik, the EC said it has learned that ahead of the national polls, some individuals are collecting voters’ personal information and NID details.

The commission said no one is allowed to carry, collect or hand over another person’s NID.

It also said no political party, candidate or anyone acting on their behalf may provide or pledge to provide any subscription, donation or gift to individuals, groups or institutions within an electoral area.

Meanwhile, on January 18, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused the EC of questionable conduct in several areas. He alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami activists were violating the electoral code by collecting copies of national ID cards, mobile numbers and bKash details from households, calling it a “criminal offence”.

On January 21, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair denied the allegation after receiving the party’s electoral symbol.

“This is completely false information,” he said. “From the very beginning, Jamaat-e-Islami has played the most responsible role in adhering to the electoral code of conduct.”