The Election Commission has clarified that the recent meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former army officers was not a violation of the electoral code of conduct.
Election Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam made the comment on Friday while responding to a query from media.
He, however, added that election campaign, if done in the Ganabhaban, will be deemed as violations and measures will be taken should that be the case.
On Nov 27, the prime minister met with over 150 retired army officers which the BNP alleged to be equivalent to violating the electoral code of conduct.
When asked on the matter, Islam said, “...If someone comes up to me and say keep up the good work. It’s a kind of moral support.”
“Are you, as Bangladeshi citizens, considering this as a polls-code violation?” he asked.
“She cannot leave her residence, what is she supposed to do. If she wants to meet anyone, where should she meet?,” Commissioner Islam asked.
“From what I understand about the electoral code of conduct, I don’t think it can be a violation in any way.
Responding to another query, he said, if election campaign is run in the Ganabhaban, we will take measures as it will certainly be a polls-code violation.