Member of Parliament (MPs) are not permitted to campaign for their party candidates in the Gazipur and Khulna City polls.
They cannot join the electoral campaigns, as the Election Commission has not amended the relevant electoral law.
Gazipur Returning Officer Rakibuddin Mandal said that the candidates would be able to start their campaign after allocation of the symbols.
“There is no scope for the ministers, MPs and other VIPs enjoying government facilities to take part in campaign for any candidate in this local government election,” he said.
EC officials said the commission has not decided about the Awami League’s proposal on amending electoral code
of conduct to let the MPs campaign for party candidates.
The officials said the commission has formed a committee to review the electoral code.
The returning officers of Gazipur and Khulna published the lists of candidates after the deadline to withdraw nominations ended on Monday afternoon.
Officials said, executive magistrates will check whether the electoral code of conduct is being followed or not.
Those found in breaching the code will be jailed for a period maximum six months or fined up to Tk 50,000 or to face both punishments. A political party can be fined up to Tk 50,000 for breaching the code.
The EC also has the power to cancel any candidacy for breaching the code of conduct.
The Gazipur returning officer said, no government installations like circuit house and Dak Bungalow can be used for campaign.
Sizes of posters and leaflets have been fixed. No procession or showdown will be allowed.
Seven candidates are fighting for the mayor’s post, 256 for general councillor posts and 84 for councillor posts reserved for women.
With over 1.16 million voters, Gazipur consists of 57 general wards and 19 wards reserved for women.
In Khulna, five candidates are in contention for mayor’s post, 148 for councillor and 38 for women councillor posts.
The number of voters in Khulna is around half a million. It has 31 general wards and 10 more reserved for women.
