The New Nation - Internet Edition

Talha Bin Habib

Members of civil society, professional groups and saner section of the people harbour the view that the candidates now in the parliamentary election race either representing political parties or independently should abide by the electoral code of conduct and refrain from making rash comments against their rivals .

They observed with regret that some leaders and activists of different political parties in their election hustings were charging their political adversaries in indecent language violating the code of conduct.

Though the manifestos of all political parties including BNP and Awami League do not permit delivery of offensive speeches and accusing their opponents in filthy words some leaders belonging to different political parties are ignoring the commitments of their organisations in this respect, they noted.

They fervently appealed to the political leaders to refrain from using uncharitable and unparliamentary language against their opponents for the sake of establishing healthy politics in the country.

Talking to the New Nation, many of the voters welcomed the electoral laws framed by the election commission and hoped that the political leaders cutting across party line would adhere to these laws.

They also urged the election commission to see to it that no candidates indulge in spreading false propaganda against their rivals and using foul language in their speeches.

"Spreading lies and ills against opponents are a breach of electoral code of conduct", said a candidate who is contesting the parliamentary election from constituency in the capital.

BNP Joint Secretary General Nazrul Islam recently alleged that Awami League was misleading the people by spreading lies ills against BNP and its leaders.

"Indecorous comments against BNP Chairperson and her family members are very unfortunate and these constituted breach of electoral code of conduct," he maintained.

On the other hand, some Awami League activists charged the BNP led alliance with violating the electoral code of conduct by delivering provocative speeches.

The country will plunge in deep chaos and bitter confrontational politics if the leaders of major political parties can not change their habit of mudslinging and refrain from trading on wild and objectionable comments against their rivals, warned a teacher of political science of the Dhaka University wishing not be named.