Bangladesh
Religion Minister Publicly voting: Religion minister apologizes to EC
Dhaka, Jan 16: Religion Minister Faridul Haque Khan has explained to the Election Commission (EC) about casting votes publicly in Jamalpur-2 constituency in the 12th National Parliament elections.
After giving the explanation, he said, "I believe that even if there is no major (serious) crime, I have requested to look at it with respect to the law and with a forgiving eye."
He explained about the complaint in the meeting room of Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon on Monday afternoon.
The Religion Minister said, "Bangladesh government has kept the constitution, kept the law and I am not above the law, no one is above the law. Therefore, as per the rules, the Election Commission has asked us to attend. I have appeared, I have spoken. I believe that even if there is no major (serious) crime, I am respectful of the law, and I request you to look at it with a forgiving eye."
When asked what the EC said, the minister said, "The commission said it will look into the matter."
In response to the question whether Awami League is embarrassed by your activities, Faridul Haque said, "No, Awami League is not embarrassed, no one is embarrassed."
On January 11, the news of public voting in some centers of Jamalpur-2 constituencies was published in various media. The EC referred to the electoral offense punishable under the provisions of Article 83 of the Representation of the People Ordinance, 1972, of failing to preserve the secrecy of votes by public voting. At the same time, the present Minister of Religion Faridul Haque Khan was summoned to explain why no action will be taken according to the law in this regard.
