Dhaka: The candidature of the independent panel in the election to pick teachers' representatives for the senate body of Dhaka University (DU) has been cancelled for violating the electoral code of conduct.

The Election Commission, formed to conduct the polls, scrapped the candidacy of the panel, led by Prof ASM Maksud Kamal, for using blue paper, the election symbol of the Pro-AL Blue panel, during campaign and submitting nomination papers after the deadline, said Election Commissioner and DU Treasurer Prof M Kamal Uddin.

Prof Nazma Shahin-led convener committee of the Blue panel lodged a complaint that the independent panel members were conducting their election campaign using blue paper, creating confusion among the teachers, he said.

Following the allegation, the Election Commissioner sat with the Blue panel, BNP-Jamaat-backed White panel and the independent panel on May 14 and ordered the latter to use any other coloured paper instead of blue for election campaign.

However, Maksud Kamal-led panel was using blue papers violating the order.

Besides, the independent panel submitted their nomination papers at 1:20 pm on May 11 instead of the stipulated time 1 pm.

As a result, the Election Commission cancelled the candidacy of the panel as per the Dhaka University Order-1973.

Prof Maksud Kamal's mobile phone was found switched off.