OC closed as video 'seeking vote for boat' goes viral

Kalaroa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mafur Ahmmed has been closed to the district police lines after a video clip where the OC was seen seeking vote for ruling Awami League went viral on social media.

Md Iltutmish, additional superintendent of Satkhira Police, said that as the allegation brought against the OC was proved, he was closed to the district police lines on Saturday morning.

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 an officer, who will be on active election duty, can campaign for political parties. However, the OC claimed his speech has been “edited.”

BNP’s Satkhira-1 candidate Habibul Islam Habib filed a written complaint to the Election Commission on Friday and sought the removal of the OC.

With UNB inputs