Momtaz, two other AL candidates served show-cause notices for code violations

Three Awami League candidates for the 12th national election, including singer Momtaz Begum of Manikganj-2, have been served show-cause notices by the electoral inquiry committee for allegedly violating the electoral code of conduct.

The two others are AL's Chattogram-16 candidate Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury and Naogaon-3 candidate Sourendra Nath Chakraborty.

They were accused of violating the Election Code of Conduct-2008 by holding election campaigns before 18 December – the date fixed by the Election Commission (EC) for the beginning of electioneering.

The inquiry committee of the EC sent the trio separate show-cause notices asking for their explanations.

Momtaz and Mostafizur have been asked to appear in person at respective district offices of the inquiry committee on Monday or send written explanations through a representative on that day. Sourendra had been instructed to do the same on 21 December.

As per the show-notice served on Momtaz, she had campaigned in favour of her party's electoral symbol (boat) by holding public gatherings with the local people of Manikganj-2 seat at various times.

The show-cause notice served against Chattogram-16 candidate Mostafizur Rahman stated that he held an election meeting with the leaders and activists of his party in front of his residence on 13 December.

The inquiry committee has also received some video footage of the event from the returning officer of the seat, says the notice.  It also asked Mostafizur as to why legal action would not be initiated against him for such a breach of the electoral code.

The show-cause notice issued against Awami League candidate Sourendra Nath Chakraborty also cited a complaint filed by his rival, independent candidate Md Salim Uddin Tarafder of Naogaon-3.

In the complaint filed with the inquiry committee, Salim alleged that on 11 December, Sourendra held an election campaign at Hat Chawk Gouri High School of Bhimpur Union. On the same day, a Jubo League leader also openly issued threats against Salim during a showdown with party activists on 250-300 motorcycles.

Moreover, Sourendra's followers instilled fears among those of the independent candidate, says the notice.

Salim Uddin also provided video clips, still images and newspaper copies to the EC inquiry committee in support of his complaints against the Awami League candidate.