OC withdrawn for seeking vote for ruling party

Officer-in-charge of Kalaroa police station in Satkhira, Maruf Ahmed, has been closed to the district police lines after a video clip where the OC was seen seeking vote for ruling Bangladesh Awami League went viral on social media, reports UNB.

“OC Maruf Ahmed was closed to the district police lines on Saturday morning as the allegation brought against him was proved,” said additional superintendent of Satkhira police Md Iltutmish.

A video of OC Maruf delivering a pro-AL speech made rounds on the social media on Thursday.

“On behalf of the administration, I want to tell you that you will [have to] vote for the pro-liberation force. Vote for ‘boat’ (AL’s electoral symbol). Your vote is very important for strengthening the hands of Sheikh Hasina,” he is heard saying.

“The Awami League-led government is needed for the continuous development [of the country]. Let’s vote this government to power again,” he added.

His speech raised questions on whether a public servant, who will be on election duty, can campaign for any political party.

However, the OC claimed his speech has been “edited.”

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s candidate for Satkhira-1 constituency Habibul Islam Habib filed a written complaint to the election commission on Friday seeking removal of the OC.