AL-nominated candidate physically harasses 2 journalists in Ctg

Two journalists were physically harassed allegedly by Awami League-nominated candidate Mustafizur Rahman for Chattogram-16 constituency and his followers when he was asked about violation of electoral code of conduct during submission of nomination papers at Chattogram Deputy Commissioner’s office on Thursday.

The accused also vandalised cameras and other equipment during the attack.

The injured Rakib Uddin and Pranabesh Chakrabortya are reporters of private independent and Ekattor TV stations. 

Witnesses said candidate Mustafizur accompanied by a huge convoy came to the DC office to submit the nomination papers in the morning.

After submitting, the AL-backed candidate was briefing about his candidature in front of the DC office.

Journalist Rakib said he questioned the candidate about the violation of the electoral code of conduct as he earlier came at the DC office with a huge convoy.

Enraged by this, the AL candidate rushed to him and beat him in front of all, he said, alleging that Mustafizur also assaulted Pranabesh when he tried to save him.

His followers also snatched away cameras, microphones and other equipment of the televisions and vandalised them, he said.

Though journalists verbally complained against the candidate to DC Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman who assured them of taking actions scrutinising CCTV footage.

The DC asked the victims to submit the complaints in writing while the candidate was served a show cause notice by the Election Search Committee formed by Election Commission.

The search committee chairman and also joint district and sessions judge court judge Abu Saleh Mohammad Noman will take action in this regard, the DC and also the returning officer said.

Condemning the incident, former president and general secretary of Chattogram Union of Journalists Reaz Haider Chowdhury demanded exemplary punishment against the candidate who earlier threatened journalists.

The accused candidate could not be reached over mobile phone for comments despite repeated attempts.

As per the electoral code of conduct, a candidate can’t take more than five supporters to collect and submit nomination papers.