CMP, SPs  directed to recover illegal arms, make list of criminals in Ctg

CHATTOGRAM, Dec 24: The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday directed Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) and Superintendents (SPs) in the districts in Chattogram division to recover illegal arms and prepare a list of criminals in the backdrop of frequent violation of electoral code of conduct in most of the constituencies in the division.

In most cases electoral code violation, arms and violence have been used in clashes.

During exchanged views with the candidates of nine constituencies, Returning Officer of Chattogram district and Deputy Commissioner Abul Basher Muhammad Fakhruzzaman said that most of the candidates were not honouring the electoral code of conduct.
The Electoral Code of Conduct 2008, stipulates the fine of Tk 50,000 for its violation, and in default,  six months jail term.

The authorities have already sent a notification to all police stations in Chattogram division to recover illegal arms and prepare a list of criminals.

According to EC sources, clashes and violence occurred in several constituencies in the division during last few days.

They said that violence and clashes were continuing in Ctg-1 (Mirsarai), in Ctg-3 Sandwip), in Ctg-12 (Patiya), in Ctg-15 (Satkania-Lohagara),  and in Ctg-16 (Banshkhali).

On November 28, the EC appointed executive magistrates to monitor violation of code of conduct.

The ministry of law, justice and parliamentary affairs said in a notification that a committee comprising of joint district and session judges, senior assistant judges and district assistant judges in the respective districts will investigate polls-related criminal activities, violation of the electoral code of conduct and any irregularities to hamper holding free and fair election.

The magistrates will monitor violation of the code of conduct until January 4 said, Dputy Commissioner of Chattogram and Returning Officer of 10 constituencies in the district.

The E C divided Chattogram into two parts, city and the district.

A total of 154 candidates of political parties including ruling Awami League are contesting in 23 constituencies in Chattogram division.

In four seats in Coxs Bazar district, 24 contestants are in the race. In three constituencies in three hill districts, nine candidates are in the race.

Most of the candidates began their campaign.