Awami League Election Steering Committee Co-chair HT Imam yesterday sought the Election Commission's steps to stop “attacks on party activists across the country” during the campaigning.

An AL delegation led by him also requested the EC to cancel candidatures of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders who are running for the 11th parliamentary polls on BNP ticket.

Imam, also Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's political adviser, said the BNP was bringing a “false” allegation that its members were coming under attack. Rather, AL leaders and activists were being attacked by BNP and Jamaat men, he added.

“Leaders and activists of Awami League are facing massive attacks across the country. We sought remedy from the Election Commission,” he told journalists after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda at the Nirbachon Bhaban.

On the Jamaat leaders' taking part in the polls, Imam said, “Jamaat website and media reports are showing that the Jamaat men are still holding party posts though they submitted nomination papers as BNP candidates. It is a clear violation of law.”

The High Court on December 18 directed the Election Commission to dispose of the appeal seeking cancellation of 25 Jamaat men's candidacy within three working days. Of the Jamaat men, 22 are contesting the polls with the BNP's electoral symbol and the rest as independents.

It also issued a rule asking the government to explain in four weeks why the EC's decision to allow 25 Jamaat candidates to run for the polls despite the cancellation of the party's registration should not be declared illegal.

In the rule, the court also asked the EC to show causes why the commission should not be directed to cancel their candidacies.

Representatives of Bangladesh Tariqat Federation and Amra Muktijoddhar Sontan filed the petition.

Imam also alleged that BNP candidates were using portraits of both party Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairperson Tarique Rahman on their posters, which was a violation of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. 

The RPO allows for using the party chief's portrait only, he said.  

The AL delegation also requested the EC not to allow -- Democracy Watch, Khan Foundation, Light House and Bangladesh Manobadhikar Samonnoy Parishad -- to monitor the election, saying the organisations has a direct link with the BNP, Imam added.

'RESTRICT ROHINGYAS' MOVEMENT'

The EC sent a directive to the returning officers concerned to ensure Rohingyas' stay in their camps and restrict their movement within their camps from 7:00pm on December 29 to 8:00am on December 31.

The directive, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Atiar Rahman, stated that Rohingyas might be used in the polls on December 30 for creating chaos in favour of different candidates.