Khaleda asked not to violate rules

The returning officers of Dhaka north and south city corporations yesterday requested BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to refrain from activities that violate the electoral code of conduct during campaign.

Following an Election Commission directive, the ROs sent two separate letters to Khaleda requesting her not to break the electoral rules, said EC officials.

The letters also reminded her that violating the electoral code of conduct was a “punishable offence”, they added.

"I would like to inform you [Khaleda] that peoples' movement [on streets] is being hampered when you get engaged in electioneering as the BNP chairperson," said one of the letters, signed by Mihir Sarwar Morshed, RO of Dhaka South City Corporation.“Besides, some people are instigating untoward incidents in your motorcade.”

After scrutinising reports published in different print and electronic media in the last couple of days, it appears that Khalda's campaigning and speeches violate different sections of the electoral code of conduct, the letter claimed.

According to the electoral law, procession, showdown, motorcade procession, public rally, delivering provocative speeches are completely prohibited during campaign.

Also, no candidate can conduct campaigns in such a way that causes hindrances to peoples' movement, the letter said.

"With making you [Khaleda] aware about these rules of the electoral code of conduct, I request you to refrain from such activities," Mihir said in the letter.

Shah Alam, returning officer of Dhaka North City Corporation, sent another letter to Khaleda making a similar request to her.