BSS :
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said the provision regarding MPs’ non-participation in the campaign of local government elections is discriminatory.
“Lawmaker Shamim Osman has declared that he would work in favour of the ‘Boat’ (the electoral symbol of Awami League) in Narayanganj City Corporation polls. I think that it is the right decision. But, I saw that some media have claimed that he (Shamim Osman) violated the electoral code of conduct,” he said.
According to the electoral code of conduct of the Election Commission, lawmakers cannot take part in any local government elections. But, there are no such types of code of conducts in neighbouring countries even in Europe,” he continued.
The minister stated these replying to a query of the reporters at his official residence situated in the city’s Mintu Road area.
Mentioning that lawmakers of other countries can take part in the electioneering, Hasan said, “Even, the chief ministers and minister of the neighbouring country can take in polls campaign without protocol.”
He said these types of restrictions were not even in 2015 and many claimed that the provision is undemocratic.
“The issue was brought under the notice of the commission many times from our party (Awami League). Even, I was present at some meetings,” said Hasan, also AL Joint General Secretary.
Replying to another query over a comment of BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on the Covid-19 issue, the minister said it has seemed that BNP leaders have lost their sagacity after failing to countenance Awami League politically so they are now talking nonsense.
He said many countries even the neighbouring countries could not deal with the ongoing Covid- 19 situation like Bangladesh.
The role of the Prime Minister was lauded across the globe and the country’s economy is still boosting due to appropriate measures in controlling the Covid-19 epidemic, he added.
