Just days ahead of the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) polls, scheduled to be held on December 22, BNP mayoral candidate Shakhawat Hossain Khan yesterday accused his AL rival of violating the electoral code of conduct and intimidation. The ruling party contestant, Selina Hyat Ivy, however, brushed aside the allegations as a “political stunt”.
“Ivy and her supporters are putting up symbols of bigger size in violation of the electoral code of conduct,” Shakhawat told journalists during a mass campaign at Mission Para in Narayanganj. “Our leaders and workers are being intimidated during campaigning and also receiving threats at their homes,” he added.
The BNP contestant further alleged that the executive magistrates deployed in the 27 wards of the city were turning a blind eye to these transgressions. He urged the Election Commission (EC) and administration to ensure a level playing field for all candidates in the forthcoming polls.
On her part, Ivy countered that she was doing everything following rules and regulations. “Every day he is raising allegations against me. I start my campaigning with just two or three people. If more people join me during my campaign, I can do nothing about it,” Ivy said. “He is begging for votes and so am I. It’s for the people to choose their mayor,” she added.
The AL candidate also carried out mass campaigns in different areas of the city, with people welcoming her with showers of petals at some places.
On the allegations of threats, Ivy said, “They were totally baseless. No one can win by resorting to false statements.”
The former mayor added: “I don’t have any force. If anyone issues threats, make specific complaints. I will then take steps against the culprits, be they my brother or my children. I will hand them over to police. But his allegations are nothing but a political stunt.”
Returning officer Nuruzzaman Talukdar said the poll environment was peaceful. “We will take steps if we get specific allegations of violation of the electoral code of conduct.”
In another development, Liberal Democratic Party’s mayoral candidate Kamal Prodhan stepped down from the race to support the BNP candidate. “I moved away from the polls following my party’s decision and would support Shakhawat Hossain. I, along with my party leaders and workers, would work for his victory,” Kamal told reporters at the BNP media cell on Sayesta Khan Road in Narayanganj. Though Prodhan has withdrawn from the polls, his electoral symbol of umbrella would be on the ballot. Voters can even cast their votes for him. The election campaign would come to an end on the midnight of December 20.