AL's Anwaruzzaman submits nomination with showdown, violating rules

Awami League mayoral aspirant Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury submitted his nomination papers for the Sylhet City Corporation election with a big showdown, openly violating the electoral code of conduct.

He submitted his papers to the returning officer around 12:30 pm.  

Earlier, Anwaruzzaman had gone to the Sylhet regional EC office, flanked by a huge entourage of party leaders and activists.  

According to the Elections Commission's poll conducts, no procession or showdown shall be held during the collection and submission of nomination papers. 

Candidates shall not collect or submit nomination papers with more than five entourage, reads the rule. 

Sylhet City Election Returning Officer and Regional Election Officer Faisal Qadir said many councillor aspirants and journalists were also present when Anwaruzzaman submitted his nomination papers, which made the area too crowded.

"I did not notice whether there was a showdown outside our office," he said.

Denying the allegation of the electoral code of conduct violation, Anwaruzzaman, said "I went to the election commission office with a few leaders and activists. But there were many activists and supporters outside." 

Awami League (AL) Central Committee Organising Secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, Sylhet Metropolitan AL President Masuk Uddin Ahmad, General Secretary Md Zakir Hossain, former Member of Parliament Shafikur Rahman Chowdhury, Councillor Azadur Rahman Azad, and Advocate Nizam Uddin, among others, were present.

The Sylhet City Corporation elections are slated for 21 June. Nomination papers will be scrutinised by 25 May. And nomination papers can be withdrawn by 1 June.

Eleven candidates have submitted nomination papers so far. They include Jatiya Party's mayoral aspirant Nazrul Islam Babul, Islami Andolan's Mahmudul Hasan, and Zaker Party's Zahirul Alam.

BNP leader incumbent Sylhet City Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury is not participating in the election this time while ruling Awami League nominated its UK unit Joint General Secretary Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury as mayoral candidate.