It will be a violation of constitution
Says BNP leader Mosharraf
If the Election Commission allows lawmakers to campaign in city corporation polls it will be a violation of the constitution, said BNP standing committee member Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain yesterday.
“We heard that Election Commission is likely to allow lawmakers to join the city corporation election campaign. We want to clearly say that it would be a violation of the constitution, law and electoral code of conduct,” he said.
Addressing a discussion at Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader said EC should uphold its independent and neutral character.
The commission is yet to take any step to meet BNP's demand for army deployment in Gazipur and Khulna city corporation elections scheduled to be held on May 15, said Mosharraf.
Holding of the polls is an acid test for the EC, the BNP leader said.
Following the ruling Awami League's request, the commission is considering an amendment to the electoral code of conduct so that MPs can take part in city polls campaigns.
On April 13, an AL delegation, led by Prime Minister's Political Affairs Adviser HT Imam, made the proposal arguing that it would ensure a level-playing field for all candidates.
Following the proposal, the commission on Thursday formed a committee led by Election Commissioner Kabita Khanam to evaluate the issue and submit a report to EC.