Nasir, Manjur camps file complaints against each other

The returning officer (RO) in Chittagong city yesterday received a barrage of complaints from three leading mayoral candidates over different sorts of violation of the code of conduct, mostly involving removal of campaign posters. 
In response, the RO directed police of respective areas to take prompt action. 

Sheikh Mohammad Ishak, convener of Nagorik Committee that supports Awami League-backed AZM Nasir Uddin, filed five complaints, all against the campaigners of Nasir's main challenger and BNP favourite M Manjur Alam.

Two complaints involve tearing of Nasir's posters by Manju's supporters in Bepari Para, CDA Residential Area, and Chhotopool, and in North Kattali (Ward 10) in the dark of night.

The RO requested the officers-in-charge (OCs) of Double Mooring and Pahartali police stations to investigate the allegations and take legal action. 

In another complaint, Ishak said the chairman and officials of an NGO, which is implementing a poverty alleviation project in Ward 4 (Chandgaon), were distributing money among the voters in favour of Manjur. He also alleged that the people who declined to receive money were being threatened to be deprived of the benefits of the project.

The RO instructed the assistant returning officer (ARO) to investigate the matter and give the report within 72 hours.
A fourth complaint accused Manju of having four election offices in Ward 28 (Pathantuli). The ARO was asked to file a probe report within 48 hours.

JP'S SOLAIMAN SETH
Jatiya Party-backed candidate Solaiman Alam Seth yesterday filed one complaint saying his banners strung at different points of Ward 7 (Raufabad) had been ripped off. 

The Panchlaish OC was requested to take legal action after investigation.

MANJUR
Chhattagram Unnayan Andolon, a platform backing Manjur, yesterday lodged two complaints, one against ruling party lawmaker Dr Hasan Mahmud and the other accusing law enforcers of harassing pro-BNP campaigners.
The respective AROs were asked to file two investigation reports within 48 hours.

In one complaint, SUM Nurul Islam, the platform's member secretary, said Hasan Mahmud blocked a busy road by building a stage on Monday and sought votes for Nasir at a mass rally of battery-run rickshaw owners and drivers there.

He also assured that the battery-rickshaws, now operating illegally, would be allowed to run if Nasir was elected. Hasan Mahmud was also accused of whipping up the drivers and owners' opposition against Manju. Both are electoral violations, says the complaint.
The same complaint accuses the adherents of Nasir of using a government office and a government vehicle in the campaign in AK Khan area.

The second complaint says the law enforcement agencies are hindering Manjur's campaign by harassing BNP leaders and activists through raiding their houses. Fearing arrest, BNP men are not staying at home and not taking part in campaigns, it adds.