Amu, 2 ruling party MPs violated election rules: EC

The Election Commission on Monday submitted complains to the Prime Minister and the Speaker separately against Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu and two MPs in connection with the violation of the election code of conduct during the Upazila Parishad elections. In a letter sent to Cabinet Secretary Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, the EC sought the Prime Minister’s attention about the fact that Amir Hossain Amu was involved in direct violation of election rules in Rajapur upazila during the voting. The letter, singed by EC joint secretary Jasmin Toli, stated that that Amir Hossain Amu violated the election rules by introducing the Awami League-backed candidate of Rajapur Upazila in Jhalakati, Muniruzzaman, with the voters and seeking votes for him at a public rally on March 21. The EC sent two more letters to the Parliament Secretariat to get attention of the Speaker about the violation of election rules by two MPs of the ruling party. The letters, signed by signed by EC assistant secretary Mosharraf Hossain, raised complaints against ruling party MPs Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju and Benzir Ahmed for violating elections rules, according to sources at the Commission. Both the MPs were accused of threatening as well as alluring voters with money to vote for ruling party-backed candidates. However, the EC will not take any legal action against the MPs, said the sources. According to the Code of Conduct for Upazila Parishad Election, 2013, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip, Ministers, State Ministers and Deputy Ministers and their equivalent persons cannot take part in the campaign of Upazila Parished elections, according to a news agency.