Atiqul denies violating code of conduct

Atiqul Islam, the Awami League-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), yesterday said he did not violate any electoral code of conduct.

The  returning office of DNCC polls on Sunday served Atiqul a show-cause notice, saying  he violated electoral code of conduct by opening an election  camp along with a lawmaker [Sahara Khatun] on Saturday.

The office asked Atiqul to come up with a written answer within two working days.

In  yesterday’s letter, Atiqul informed the office that on that day, he  attended a special prayer session organised by Uttara unit AL, and did not breach the electoral code of conduct.

He said since filing the nomination form he has not violated code of conduct and promised that he would not violate any such rule in the future.

“We  have just received Atiqul’s letter. We will  take necessary steps after  reviewing it,” DNCC returning officer Abul Kashem told The Daily Star.

Today is the last day for withdrawal of nomination for mayoral and councillor candidates for Dhaka north and south city corporation polls, to be held on January 30. A total of six candidates are vying for the post of mayor in DNCC, while seven are contesting in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Electoral symbols will be allotted tomorrow, through which campaigning will also be opened to candidates.