Row at Pirojpur law and order body meeting

But Deputy Commissioner Azmal Hossain and Police Superintendent Abdullah Al Azad declined to act accordingly, saying they got instruction from the government to remain neutral and to ensure peaceful holding of polls.

There was exchange of words at the meeting.

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The ruling party men also made "objectionable" comments at the meeting, a high police official told this correspondent yesterday seeking anonymity.

State Minister for Planning Shah Md Abul Hossain, who is in charge of Pirojpur district, tried to cool down the situation, but failed.

This correspondent talked to several officials and ruling party men who attended the meeting. They confirmed the incident but declined to be named.

At the meeting, Md. Shafiq, Pirojpur district Jamate-e- Islami secretary, asked the SP to transfer the Motbaria thana Officer-in-Charge.

In reply The SP said as per law an official can not be transferred before polls.

This angered some Jamaat leaders who told the meeting that any official defying instructions from ruling party men should be transferred.

When contacted yesterday, Whip Jamal declined that he asked the administration to interfere in the polls to ensure puling party candidates' victory.

The meeting discussed law and order and matters relating to NGOs. There was no discussion on election, he said.

Mothbaria municipality election will be held on May 11.

The High Court on Monday vacated a stay order on holding of election in Pirojpur municipality. A new schedule will be announced soon for holding polls there, Election Commission sources said.