It's no level playing field

It went against the spirit of level playing field when the prime minister introduced ruling Awami League-backed candidates to party leaders at her official residence, alleged a mayoral aspirant.

"The prime minister yesterday [Friday] introduced the party-backed mayoral hopefuls at the Gono Bhaban and it was widely reported in the media. It was contrary to the spirit of level playing field," alleged Abdullah Al Kafee, backed by Communist Party of Bangladesh (CBP). 

Kafee was talking to reporters after submission of his nomination papers to the returning officer (RO) for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) polls at the capital's Agargaon yesterday afternoon.

The elections to the DNCC, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Chittagong City Corporation will be held on April 28.

Hasina, also the AL chief, formally introduced Annisul Huq and Sayeed Khokon as mayoral candidates for the DNCC and DSCC polls at a meeting with AL leaders of Dhaka city at the Gono Bhaban on Friday.

According to the electoral code of conduct, parliament speaker, deputy speaker, chief whip, whips, ministers, state ministers, deputy ministers and individuals of equivalent ranks or those enjoying the same government facilities cannot take part in polls campaigns and activities.

Kafee also criticised the Election Commission for "turning a blind eye to the violations of the electoral code of conduct by the ruling party-blessed candidates".

He also urged the EC to take steps ensuring a level playing field for all in the run-up to the elections.

In response to Kafee's allegation, EC Secretary Sirazul Islam told reporters, "The prime minister usually doesn't do such things. We will have to check. If anything like this really had happened, the commission will surely take steps."

Visiting the office of the RO at Agargaon, he added, "I have directed the returning officer to ensure equal treatment to all."

Meanwhile, Zonayed Saki, coordinator of Gano Samhati Andolan, a left political group, yesterday bought nomination paper to run for DNCC mayor.

A total of 58 mayoral and 2,320 councillor aspirants bought nomination papers till yesterday.