Violation, conflict of interest wrapped in one
Some BCC employees campaigning for ruling party candidate
I am also the secretary of Bangabandhu Peshajibi Parishad at BCC. I cannot hold rallies, but why can I not ask people to vote for the AL-nominated candidate?
In clear violation of the electoral code of conduct, several staff members of Barishal City Corporation have been actively engaging with voters, going door-to-door to secure support and votes for the Awami League mayoral candidate Abul Khair Abdullah.
This act directly disregards an order issued on May 11 by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Co-operatives, signed by Mohammad Shamsul Islam, deputy secretary of the local government division, instructing BCC officials not to participate in campaigns.
Deepak Lal Mridha, currently an officer in the waste department of BCC, was spotted on May 3 interacting with voters alongside AL mayoral candidate Khair, despite his role in the BCC.
It has been revealed that several other employees, who have faced disciplinary actions by the incumbent Mayor Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah in the past, were also actively seeking votes for Khair.
Sources have disclosed that over 100 BCC officers have been in constant communication with the AL mayoral candidate, indicating their involvement in his electoral campaign.
Previously, Mayor Sadiq had removed Mridha from his duties as the conservancy officer of BCC and reassigned him to the office of a well-known councillor. This action was seen as insulting by many, leading Mridha to become an opponent of Mayor Sadiq, according to sources.
Numerous BCC officials have expressed discontent with Sadiq's interference in various matters, including working at night, which has prompted their support for the AL mayoral candidate.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Mridha proudly admitted that he sought votes for the AL nominated candidate and defended his actions, saying, "I am also the secretary of Bangabandhu Peshajibi Parishad at BCC. I cannot hold rallies, but why can I not ask people to vote for the AL-nominated candidate?"
BCC Administrative Officer Swapan Kumar Das emphasised that any form of participation in the BCC election by officials, the use of BCC vehicles, or support for any political party is strictly prohibited.
"This is a violation of the city corporation code of conduct. There are also instructions from the local government division in this regard," he added.
Humayun Kabir, returning officer for the Barishal regional election office, highlighted that the involvement of city corporation staffers in any electoral process, including campaigns, clearly violates Section 22 of the city corporation election code of conduct.
According to the BCC administrative division, there are a total of 419 officers and employees working at BCC, along with 2,093 additional staff members, including 1,674 temporary employees. With the inclusion of their family members, BCC accounts for approximately 6,000-7,000 voters.
The upcoming fifth BCC election, scheduled for June 12, has 276,000 voters. In this election, voters will elect a mayor and 40 councillors.