No decision yet on candidacy cancellation: EC Alamgir

The Election Commission (EC) has not made any decisions as of yet regarding cancelling candidacies, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir said.

"The EC doesn't cancel candidates. That authority is in the hands of returning officers. In some cases, there are financial penalties and legal proceedings as per the law," he said while speaking to reporters at his office in Agargaon's Nirbachan Bhaban on Sunday.

Regarding the cancellation of candidatures, Alamgir said such decisions won't be made hastily.

"Once an investigation report is in hand, it will be thoroughly reviewed. Then there will be discussions as per the rules, and the individual concerned  will be heard regarding the allegations against them. After a comprehensive verification and selection process, a decision will be made," said the election commissioner.

Asked about the ongoing investigation on AKM Bahauddin Bahar, the Cumilla-6 Awami League candidate over allegations of assaulting journalists, the election commissioner said the district administration has been assigned to file a report after investigating the matter within 24 hours.

"We're delivering a tough message everywhere to ensure a peaceful voting environment with ample security measures," he added.

Alamgir further said that it is essential to assess how much a candidate is violating the code of conduct. Minor breaches should not incur severe penalties, while major violations should not escape severe consequences.

The election commissioner also alleged that the BNP has been trying to hinder the electoral process.

Also on Sunday, talking to reporters following a meeting at the Naogaon deputy commissioner's office, Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana warned that if anyone obstructs or intimidates the voters in the upcoming election, they will be brought to book.

Candidates, members of the law enforcement agencies and the presiding officers of Naogaon district took part in the meeting.

"Voting is a constitutional right of every citizen of the country. Those who are still afraid of going to the polling station to cast their votes are just holding a misconception," said Rashida.

The election commissioner added, "Previously, there was no capacity to mete out punishment in case of intimidation, obstruction and threats towards voters. Now the RPO (Representation of the People Order) has been amended to bring them to book and punish them."

She also asked voters to report to the law enforcement agencies if they face any incidents of intimidation.

Rashida added that the election investigation committees, executive magistrates, returning officers and members of the law enforcement agencies are currently active on the field and monitoring everything.

"The commission is also monitoring every activity of the candidates. Action is being taken if the allegations against any candidate are found to be true," she said further.