The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to lawmaker Mostafizur Rahman from Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali) constituency, over attacking journalists after filing nomination papers in Chattogram.
The returning officer assured to take action after going through the CCTV footage of the incident. The Election Commission has formed a three-member inquiry committee headed by a joint district judge to investigate the incident.
AL-nominated candidate physically harasses 2 journalists in Ctg
“We are investigating the incident and will take action,” Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman told reporters on Thursday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, the AL candidate for Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali) constituency, punched and hit journalists when he was asked about violating electoral code of conduct while submitting his nomination papers.
Soon after, his supporters attacked journalists and vandalised cameras, as well as tearing down microphone wires. Four to five journalists, including Independent Television journalist Rakib Uddin and Ekattor TV journalist Pranabesh Chakraborty, were injured and assaulted. Soon after the incident, media persons held a rally in front of the returning officer's office to protest the attack. They demanded justice for the incident.
Tapan Chakraborty, president of Chattogram Union of Journalists, said “The candidate will have to apologise within 24 hours. He does controversial things everywhere.”