The Election Commission (EC) will take action against BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia if her motorcade blocks the street during her electioneering in favour of her party-backed mayoral candidates, reports UNB.The commission is sending letters to the returning officers, DMP commissioner and magistrates engaged in election duty giving directives to take action if Khaleda Zia's motorcade obstructs the free use of roads by citizens while she is campaigning..
In the letter, the commission says that carrying out election campaign blockading roads is a violation of code of conduct for the city corporation election.
EC secretary Sirazul Islam told UNB that the letter has been drafted, and would be sent on Friday night.
"The directives are being given to prevent recurrence of the incidents. But the previous incidents of blockading roads by her (Khaleda) motorcade will not be taken into cognizance," he said on Friday night.
The EC's move came just two days before the curtain falls on the official campaign period at midnight on Sunday.
The commission is going to issue the directives following complaint lodged by Sahasra Nagorik Committee, a pro-Awami League citizens' platform that Khaleda violates election code of conduct.
On Thursday a delegation of the platform, led by its member secretary Golam Kuddus met Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed and demanded actions against Khaleda Zia complaining that she violated election code as her motorcade blockaded roads that caused hindering movement of commuters and traffic on the streets.
However, the commission plays silent role over attacks on BNP chief Khaleda Zia and her motorcade in the last few days.
Khaleda has been conducting campaign in favour of the party-backed mayoral candidates for the Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation since April 18.
During campaign for DNCC mayoral runner Tabith Awal and DSCC mayoral runner Mirza Abbas, Khaleda Zia came under attacks in Kawran Bazar, Fakirapul and Banglamotor on three separate days.
RI