EC asks AL leader Bahar to leave Cumilla city election area

Bahauddin Bahar MP of Awami League

Dhaka, June 8 - The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday ordered local Awami League President AKM Bahauddin Bahar MP to leave electoral areas under Cumilla City Corporation for violating the electoral code of conduct ahead of the polls.

Cumilla city polls returning office Shahedunnabi Chowdhury said the EC sent a letter on Wednesday asking Bahar, a ruling party MP from Cumilla-6 seat, not to stay in the city areas as he participated in the election campaign violating the code of conduct.

According to the media reports on June 7, the EC said MP Bahar took part in the electioneering which is a violation of the election code of conduct.

In its letter, the EC also said an investigation was carried out locally as a mayoral candidate submitted written complaints against the MP in this regard. “The allegations were found true.”

Under the circumstances, the MP has been asked to leave the electoral area immediately and thus help the EC maintain the election code of conduct.

Earlier on Monday, independent mayoral candidate and ex-Mayor Monirul Huq Sakku lodged complaints with the Returning Officer against Bahar.

In his complaint, Sakku mentioned that MP Bahar was violating the election code of conduct carrying out electioneering and holding meetings with local Awami League leaders and activists staying in the election areas.

Copies of the complaints have also been given to the Chief Election Commissioner, Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, Cumilla Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Returning Officer and Superintendent of Police.

The elections to Cumilla City Corporation will be held on June 15 using the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). - UNB