'Misunderstanding' over Abidul entering polling centre: RO

Returning Officer Kazi Mostak Gausul Haque, in-charge of the Physical Education Centre, acknowledged that a misunderstanding arose regarding vice-president candidate Abidul Islam Khan's entry into the polling centre during the Ducsu election.

Initially, in the morning, RO Mostak had told this newspaper that Abidul -- backed by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) -- had violated the electoral code when he entered the centre.

"We were informed that no candidates are allowed in the polling centre. But later it was revised and new version says candidates are allowed inside the centre," he said.

"There is a misunderstanding regarding the matter," he said at around 1:00pm.

Chief Returning Officer Prof Mohammad Zashim Uddin also confirmed the revised position. "He (Abidul) can enter the centre, there is no problem with that."

He said that according to the code of conduct 12 (Kha), candidates are allowed to enter a centre. "Abidul is correct; he can enter alone," he said.

Nasir Uddin, general secretary of the central committee of JCD, said, "Two or three media outlets, especially those aligned with the Shibir panel, have repeatedly raised complaints about this matter. Unfortunately, some Dhaka University officials responsible for conducting the election are carrying out their duties without even a basic understanding of the election code of conduct. This has led to widespread disappointment. It is difficult to understand why the teachers are not reading the code of conduct."