EC to decide over Tarique’s videoconference after reviewing laws

Staff Correspondent: Election Commissioner (EC) Rafiqul Islam said that the allegation over Tarique Rahman’s interviews of nomination seekers via video conference will be investigated if someone can provide evidences in this regard.

He told this to the reporters at his own office of Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon on Sunday.

BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman, who is fugitive convict in two cases, on Sunday conducted interviews of the party nomination seekers for the 11th general election through video conference from London.

When asked about it, Rafiqul Islam said, “We heard the matter from reporters. I have no capacity to monitor such matters. However, if anyone complains to us with evidences about Tarique’s videoconference over the scrutiny of party nomination papers, we will ask the concerned authorities to take actions after reviewing existing laws."

Rafiqul Islam said: “If there is no provision in laws over the issue, we will discuss the matter in the commission to take a decision over it.”

Asked whether Tarique could make videoconference if he stayed in the country, the election commissioner said a convicted criminal should have been in jail or a fugitive.

“If anyone is in jail, he or she could not do that. If he does it after getting release on bail, this could not be any problem. But the perspective is completely different. We can take any decision after reviewing the laws,” he said.
 

risingbd/Dhak/November 18, 2018/Hasibul/AKA