Will scrap candidacy for repeated violations

Election Commissioner Ahsan Habib Khan yesterday warned that if candidates repeatedly breach the electoral code of conduct, the commission will take steps against them including scrapping their candidacy.

He told this to reporters after holding a views-exchange meeting with candidates and election officials in Kushtia.

“All candidates are equal in the election race. ROs and AROs have been instructed not to be biased towards any candidate,” he also said.

Habib said police have also been instructed to refrain from unnecessary arrests or filing harassment cases ahead of election, except when someone is truly involved in criminal activities.

Ahsan Habib urged the candidates not to act out of vengeance against anyone, while refraining from arson attacks, activities obstructing electioneering and voters from casting their votes.

Meanwhile, CEC Kazi Habibul Awal yesterday said a fair and neutral election cannot be held if the candidates do not show respect towards each other and abide by the electoral code of conducts.

He said this at a dialogue with the candidates and election officials in Rangpur.

Referring to the arson attack on a train in Dhaka’s Tejgaon that left four people dead, EC Md Alamgir in Narayanganj yesterday said it is not possible to resist the election through violence.