The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday expressed its satisfaction with the explanation of Azmat Ullah Khan, one of the candidates in Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) nominated by ruling Awami League, regarding the allegation of violation of the electoral code of conduct.
While talking to reporters at the EC headquarters at Agargaon in Dhaka Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal said, "We have not taken any decision yet. But Azmat Ullah has explained to us very politely. We are satisfied with his explanation."
After the explanation to the Election Commission, Azmat Ullah told reporters, "I have not violated any electoral code of conduct. I will not do so in future."
"No procession accompanied me on the day of submitting the nomination papers and the meeting took place outside the city area. However, I regret those incidents and I will do everything possible to prevent such incidents in the future."
Earlier on 4 May, the Election Commission (EC) asked Advocate AzmatUllah Khan, the mayoral candidate of the ruling Awami League, to explain why his candidature for the Gazipur City Corporation elections should not be cancelled due to his violation of the electoral code of conduct for the second time.
Azmat Ullah was summoned to appear in person in the EC headquarters in Dhaka on 7 May to explain his actions.
The violation occurred when Youth and Sports State Minister Md Zahid Ahsan Russell held a rally to publicly ask for votes for Azmat Ullah Khan. Despite being warned beforehand, he campaigned before the allocation of symbols, violating Rule 5 of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Moreover, Rule 32 of the Electoral Code of Conduct provides for disqualification of candidature for violation of Rule 5 of the Code of Conduct, the release said.
Prior to this, on 27 April, he violated the electoral code of conduct after bringing a group of people to stage a showdown while filing nomination papers for the Gazipur city corporation mayoral election to be held 25 May.
Jahangir files writ with HC to contest in Gazipur city polls
Meanwhile, AL’s rebel candidate Mohammad Jahangir Alamon Sunday filed a writ petition against the cancellation of his nomination paper for the post of mayor in the upcoming GCC polls.
The former mayor (dismissed) filed the writ with the High Court (HC) bench concerned on Sunday (7 May).
The bench is scheduled to hear the matter later today, confirmed an HC source to The Business Standard.
Jahangir's nomination paper was rejected on 30 April on the grounds of him being a loan defaulter.
His appeal challenging the decision got rejected by the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Md Sabirul Islam on 4 May.
However, Jahangir's mother, Zayeda Khatun, who is also running for the post of mayor, was declared a valid candidate.
Jahangir had submitted his nomination papers on 27 April to run for the post again as an independent candidate.
He was suspended from the post of mayor in November 2021 on charges of corruption, abuse of power and mismanagement. He was also expelled from the Awami League for breaking party discipline.
However, Jahangir was reinstated to the party in January this year, subject to conditions.
Jahangir Alam sought an Awami League nomination to be a candidate for the post of mayor in the Gazipur city elections.
However, the ruling party nominated Metropolitan Awami League President Azmat Ullah Khan.
