M Humayun Kabir of DOT
Ruling Awami League yesterday filed a written complaint against the involvement of BNP acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman in his party’s nomination process.
Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan, a presidium member of Awami League, led a delegation of the party to the Election Commission around 6:30pm and filed the complaint, reports The Daily Star.
EC Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed received the letter.
Talking to journalists, Khan said as Tarique is a convict, his involvement in the nomination process is violation of electoral code of conduct.
“It will throw the election into controversy. We urged the Election Commission to take a step in this regard.”
Earlier in the day, Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam told reporters that he would have to look up the lawbook to have a say anything in this regard.
He, however, said, upon the basis of a formal complaint and provided that the law allows it, the commission might be taking an action in this regard.
BNP has been interviewing its candidates at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office. Tarique Rahman, the party’s acting chairman, currently abroad, took part through video conference.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader raised an objection on this point, saying Tarique is a convict in three cases. He asked the Election Commission to take action in this regard.
Meanwhile, BNP has snapped back at Quader, saying it is at freedom to seek consultation from “anyone they want” to conduct the nomination process.
Tarique has been living in London for the last nine years.