EC fines AL candidate Bahar Tk1 lakh, Shambhu Tk50,000
The AL candidates received three separate show cause notices each for breaching electoral codes
The Election Commission has fined AKM Bahauddin Bahar, the Awami League candidate and current MP of the Cumilla-6 constituency, Tk1 lakh for violating the electoral code of conduct.
Barguna-1 Awami League candidate Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu was also fined Tk50,000 on the same grounds.
The commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal pronounced the verdict after a hearing on the allegations on Wednesday (27 December).
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Ashok Kumar Debnath, additional secretary of the Election Commission, briefed the reporters after the hearing.
"The fine must be deposited within three days via a treasury challan and reported to the returning officer. Subsequently, the returning officer will notify the EC," he said.
Earlier, Bahar and Shambhu appeared in the EC building and provided explanations for their acts of violating the electoral code of conduct.
The AL candidates received three separate show-cause notices each for breaching electoral codes.
On 19 December, an election inquiry committee served two show-cause notices to Bahar after the AL candidate held a public gathering and threatened to break the arms and legs of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami members if they are found supporting any candidates.
Later on 23 December, the Cumilla-3 lawmaker received the third show-cause for assaulting an Ekattor TV journalist during an election campaign.
After the hearing, Bahar addressed the media, denying the accusations against him. He refuted claims of assaulting a journalist, saying, "I do not engage in politics at such a low level."
Regarding the threat to break hands and feet, he explained, "I said it out of emotion that if BNP-Jamaat is found at any polling station, their hands and feet will be broken as they indulge in arson attacks."
Bahar expressed confidence in his innocence and said that he does not foresee any possibility of his candidacy being cancelled.
Meanwhile, Shambhu faced allegations of starting his campaign before the official commencement of electioneering on 18 December. Shambhu held motorcades, processions, and meetings with thousands of supporters on 28 November, 7 December, and 9 December.
Before the hearing, Shambhu spoke to the media, claiming his innocence and saying that any violations may have been committed by his supporters.
