Accused not on bail to face action

Dhaka Metropolitan Police will take action against those accused in criminal cases if they join the city polls race or electioneering without securing bail.

Monirul Islam, joint commissioner of the Detective Branch of DMP, told this to reporters at its media centre yesterday.

“If investigators in the cases want, those candidates might be arrested,” he added.

Asked by a newsman whether the move would create an obstacle to the election process, the DMP spokesperson said as the Criminal Procedure Code is not suspended, the law enforcers would follow it.

Anyone can contest the city polls and the Election Commission will decide on the legality of his candidature. The DMP will just follow the law and directives of the EC, he mentioned.

The Dhaka north and south city corporations will go to polls on April 28. The deadline for filing nominations expires on Sunday.

Talking to The Daily Star, Election Commissioner Abdul Mobarak said the EC had nothing to do with the DMP's announcement as police could arrest any accused anytime.

Monirul also said people who are on bail but have criminal records will be under watch so that they cannot influence electioneering illegally.

Necessary steps will be taken to ensure that voters can exercise their franchise in a congenial atmosphere, he noted.