The New Nation - Internet Edition

Rafiqul Islam Azad

Many prospective candidates for the next general elections have not removed multiple colour posters and banners in the city as per the directives of the Election Commission (EC) by October 15.

The candidates pasted posters and hanged banners in the city and elsewhere in the country wishing people "Eid Mubarak," which is a violation of electoral rules of the Commission.

Visiting different areas in the city, this correspondent found that large number of posters and banners are still on display, particularly in front of offices of the two major political parties, the Awami League and the BNP.

When contacted Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Shakhawat Hossain told The New Nation that the Commission has already directed EC officials at district and upazila levels to identify the violators.

"Photographs of posters and banners still on display are being shot on cameras," he said and added, necessary measures, including cancellation of candidature will be considered.

Political leaders, who termed it an unrealistic idea, made sarcastic comments over such measures taken by the EC.

Awami League Presidium Member Tofail Ahmed argued that it would be difficult for the Commission to identity the persons who might stick posters in the name of his/her rivals.

While talking to The New Nation, BNP Chairperson's Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) ASM Hannan Shah expressed his surprise as to how the Commission could take such a measure before the announcement of the election schedule. Posters and banners wishing "Eid Mubarak" pertain to religious matter, said the outspoken BNP leader.

"Posters or banners even did not mention their candidacy. So, it is an absurd idea to take action against the people who greeted other people."

On October 6, Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda had asked the intending candidates to the forthcoming elections to remove their colourful posters, banners and wall writings by October 15; otherwise, he warned their candidatures would be cancelled.

Source said the EC on October 5 issued official notice to the Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, District Election Officers, Upazila Nirbahi Officers and Upazila Election Officers to take steps in this regard.