Code of conduct does not apply to Tarique: EC

The Election Commission said it 'cannot do anything' about the BNP allowing the participation of Tarique Rahman, who is living as a fugitive since being convicted and sentenced to prison, in the interviews of the party's nominees for the upcoming general polls, reports bdnews24.com.

The election monitoring body said the election code of conduct does not apply as Tarique is currently outside Bangladesh.

EC Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed announced the decision on Monday after an Awami League delegation complained about the matter.

The matter was discussed in detail by the Election Commission, he said.

"But the Election Commission cannot do anything at the moment … As he is not in the country it seems the code of conduct does not apply."

"But as the High Court has issued order on the matter [of publishing of Tarique's statements], it is everyone's responsibility to follow them."

Meanwhile, the Election Commission said there seems to be no problem with the television advertisements thanking Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and highlighting her government's development work despite complaints from the BNP.

There is no issue if they are advertisements, Election Commission Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed said.

"If they are on BTV and private TV channels in the form of advertisements there is no problem," he said during a discussion with the media on Monday morning at the EC's office.

"If the media organisations are being paid, there is no problem."

But if it is alleged that these are not paid advertisements, then steps will be taken, the EC secretary said.

"We have not received any formal allegations regarding the 'Thank You PM' ads. If we receive such allegations they will be referred to the authorities."

The BNP alleged that the television advertisements, which are being screened ahead of the coming elections, are in violation of the election regulations.