Bangladesh
EC Alamgir Govt bound to follow whatever Election Commission directs: EC Alamgir
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, Oct 7: Election Commissioner Md. Alamgir said that the government is constitutionally bound to accept what the EC says. For this, letters have been sent to all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) taking note of the violation of the code of conduct. Action will also be taken against them if they fail to fulfill their duties.
He said these to the journalists in his office at Agargaon Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital on Thursday (October 6).
Md. Alamgir said, "The ruling party has been instructed to compel important people including members of parliament to follow the code of conduct in the by-elections of the district council and Gaibandha-5 constituencies. Election Commissioner Rasheda Sultana has instructed the DC to take action against the irregularities in the Gaibandha Zilla Parishad elections."
The former secretary of the EC said that the commission is not willing to accept the violation of the code of conduct. If someone breaks, the administration will take action according to the law. "If the administration fails to take action, we will not hesitate to enforce the laws that election officials have."
In response to the question, 'what action will be taken against the legislators who are violating the code of conduct', he said, "We have told the DC and SP, whoever the violator is, they will take action against him."
"Number two is - as we have said, there is a law for election officials as well. We will take action as per our law if we see anyone violating the code of conduct in the course of duty.''
In the Gaibandha Zilla Parishad elections, the ruling party leaders are carrying out political activities in their constituencies - Regarding such allegations of the Jatiya Party, Md. Alamgir said, we have already instructed the DC, and SP to submit an investigation report. I will take further action after receiving the report.
"We have given strict instructions, if the members of parliament violate the electoral code of conduct, they must be told that they cannot stay in the constituency. Because members of Parliament are not voters of Zilla Parishad elections. Therefore, they have no chance to stay there as voters."
Md. Alamgir said, "Appeal is being made to the government party, they run the country. They are more bound to follow the rules. It is their duty to obey what we say constitutionally."
