Bahar, Shambhu fined for breaching electoral rules

Staff Reporter :
The Election Commission on Wednesday fined AKM Bahauddin Bahar, the Awami League (AL) nominated candidate and current MP of the Cumilla-6 constituency, Tk1 lakh for breaching the electoral code of conduct during election campaigns.

Besides, Barguna-1 Awami League candidate Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu was also fined Tk50,000 for violating electoral code of conduct, EC sources said.

The commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal announced the verdict after a hearing on the allegations.

Ashok Kumar Debnath, Additional Secretary of the Election Commission, briefed the reporters after the announcement of the CEC.

The EC official said,”The fine must be deposited within three days via a treasury challan and reported to the returning officer.

Subsequently, the returning officer will notify the EC.

Earlier, Bahar and Shambhu appeared in the EC building and provided explanations for their acts of violating the electoral code of conduct.

The AL candidates received three separate show cause notices each for breaching electoral codes.

On 19 December, an election inquiry committee served two show cause notices to Bahar after the AL candidate held a public gathering and threatened to break the arms and legs of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami members if they are found supporting any candidates.

Later on 23 December, the Cumilla-3 incumbent MP received the third show-cause for assaulting an Ekattor TV journalist during an election campaign.