Returning Officer of Chattogram said that the contesting candidates of the upcoming 12th Jatiya Sangsad(JS) elections do not follow the code of conduct in most cases.
DC & Returning Officer Abul Basar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman of Chattogram made this comment in reply to the questions of journalists after exchanging views with the competing candidates of nine seats at Chattogram Circuit House on Saturday (December 23).
He said, 'They (candidates) are supposed to take prior permission for the gatherings or public meetings they are holding. According to the code of conduct, the Returning Officer is supposed to be informed 24 hours in advance. The Returning Officers will inform the Assistant Returning Officer and the Superintendent of Police and the OC of the police station.
He further said, "As the candidates did not inform us earlier, there were isolated incidents in some cases. We have requested the candidates to let us know when and where you will hold the rally. In that case we will provide you adequate security.
The Returning Officer also reminded the punishment for violating the code of conduct.
He said, "In this case, there is a possibility of imposing a fine of Tk. 50 thousand, six months imprisonment or both. Apart from this, there is an election investigation committee in the field to make the elections fair. The Election Commission can take more stringent action.
Incidentally, Abul Basar Fakhruzzaman is serving as the Returning Officer of 10 of the 16 constituencies of Chattogram. Divisional Commissioner Tofail Ahmed is in charge as the Returning Officer of four constituencies in the city and surrounding areas.
Mentioning that this exchange meeting was organized to reassure the candidates, Abul Basar said, "I hope there will be a fair and beautiful election on the 7th."
He said, 'We have received various complaints, opinions and suggestions from various candidates. The candidates answered some of the questions they had on various topics and gave their opinions.
He also said, "Some isolated incidents have occurred in two places. When rival candidates have complained to us about those incidents, we have informed them that each complaint has been dealt with specifically. The police took a case and arrested. We have taken all necessary measures to make the elections fair and impartial.
District Superintendent of Police SM Shafiullah was also present during the exchange of views along with Chattogram DC.
In this election, Awami League is in 14 out of 16 seats and Jatiya Party in the other two. As several leaders of Awami League are independent candidates in these constituencies, various equations have been created in the polls.
In Patia, Banshkhali, Satkania, Meersarai constituencies, there have been incidents of clashes between the supporters of the boat symbol and the supporters of these independent candidates.