The Election Commission has launched probe into allegation of national identity (NID) card frauds by two brothers of former army chief General Aziz Ahmed.
Speaking at a press meet, RFED Talk hosted by Election Commission beat reporters, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal said on Monday, "The probe committee is working on the matter. Action will be taken against whoever is guilty."
"NID Card Department has very strong IT system. But some people misused the system in their personal interest.
Weve got information regarding NID forgery. All those who involved in the crime will be punished," he said. He said that the upazila elections were not participatory due to political crisis.
He said "BNP did not participate in the general election and bought allegation against EC. How can they blame us without participating in the election."
He said that the general election was held peacefully. Those who wanted to create anarchy failed.
He said that 36.45 per cent votes were cast in five phases of the Sixth Upazila Parishad election.
Earlier on 20 May, the United States announced the public designation of General (Retd) Aziz Ahmed and his family over allegations of "significant corruption," stating that his actions contributed to undermining "Bangladeshs democratic institutions and the publics faith in public institutions and processes."
US imposed travel ban on ex army chief Gen Aziz, family for significant corruption This action renders Aziz and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States. According to the US State Department statement, Aziz Ahmed engaged in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh.
The Election Commission began the probe following media reports that Aziz Ahmeds brothers, Haris Ahmed and Tofail Ahmed alias Joseph, allegedly collected NIDs by changing their names and their parents names.
Reports were published in different media about Aziz Ahmeds influence in making NID cards and passports providing false information for his brothers during his tenure as the army chief.
