Chattogram Correspondent

Jatiya Sangsad Whip Shamsul Haque Chowdhury submitted his nomination paper with vehicle carrying national flag and police protocol, violating the electoral code of conduct in the port city on Thursday.

The incumbent lawmaker is going to contest as an independent candidate from Chittagong-12 (Patiya) constituency after failing to obtain nomination from Awami League (AL), allegedly for his controversial activities.

Witnesses said Shamsul came to the Returning Officer’s Office in the DC Office area around 2:15pm on Thursday.

His vehicle was carrying national flag while there was a vehicle of police in front of his one, they said.

According to sections 14 (1) and 14 (2) of the National Parliament Election Conduct of Conduct, a government beneficiary very important person cannot add election programme or activities to his government programmes. And the important person who is a beneficiary of government benefits cannot use government vehicle, government publicity tool or government benefits in election campaign on behalf of himself or others.

Mentionable, senior AL leaders have asking the candidates not to violate the electoral code of conduct since the beginning.

Different ministers and others came and submitted nomination papers in vehicle without national flag and protocol at the ROs offices in the port city.

When asked, the RO and Chattogram DC Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman said, "According to the electoral code of conduct, he cannot use the flag and protocol.”

“But what kind of protocol he has used and what is there in the rules should be verified clearly,” he said.

“Our executive magistrates are working on the field to look into these matters. Besides, the Electoral Inquiry Committee is also working on it. In case of any incident, action can be taken by noticing the news or in any other media. We will inquire in this connection,” the RO said.

Mentionable, Shamsul, his son and other family members earlier drew criticisms and hit headlines of media for their controversial activities including irregularity, extortion, land grabbing and nomination-trade among others.