BNP-allied candidate fined Tk1.5 lakh for campaigning, distributing money at Narayanganj school
The fine was imposed on Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi, the Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh nominee, after he attended a school programme at Delpara area of the district’s Fatulla this afternoon (31 January).
A BNP-led alliance-backed candidate in Narayanganj-4 constituency has been fined Tk1.5 lakh for violating the electoral code of conduct by campaigning and distributing money at a school.
The fine was imposed on Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi, the Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh nominee, after he attended a school programme at Delpara area of the district's Fatulla this afternoon (31 January).
Around 12pm, Kasemi appeared at a prize-giving ceremony of Delpara Little Genius School and Collage, where he distributed awards. Alongside the school's official prizes, he reportedly handed out Tk2,000 in cash from his own pocket to several attendees.
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During the event, supporters allegedly sought votes for him using the school's microphone, asking people to vote for the 'Date Palm Tree' symbol.
Video footage of the incident later circulated on social media, triggering widespread criticism.
Following the incident, Executive Magistrate Asaduzzaman Nur visited the site and conducted an inquiry. Later, organisers of the programme and representatives of the candidate admitted to the violations.
The magistrate said candidates are strictly prohibited from campaigning at educational institutions. "He [Kasemi] went to a school and sought votes. Money was also distributed while asking for votes. These actions clearly violate the electoral code of conduct," he added.
Attempts to contact Monir Hossain Kasemi for comment were unsuccessful.
