The Election Commission (EC) demanded on Thursday that authorities form a judicial inquiry committee to investigate into the attack on independent candidate Ashraful Alam alias Hero Alam in Dhaka-17 by-election.

The commission will send a proposal to the government, EC Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath told the media on Thursday.

He said that the documents for sending a proposal are awaiting the approval of the EC.

Read: Those attacking Hero Alam were trying to make Dhaka-17 by-polls controversial: Arafat condemns incident

Debnath said if the approval is received, a letter will be sent to the Cabinet Division to form a three-member committee headed by a judge.

Earlier on Monday, Hero Alam was physically assaulted while leaving a polling centre in Dhaka’s Banani area.

Awami League-backed candidate contesting the Dhaka-17 by-election, Mohammad Ali Arafat, immediately condemned the attack on his rival candidate.

Read: Action against those involved in Hero Alam assault: EC Alamgir

Alongside, foreign missions in Dhaka on Wednesday called for a full investigation and accountability of the perpetrators involved in the assault on Hero Alam.

In a joint statement, the foreign missions said, “We condemn the July 17 attack on Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Ashraful Alam, popularly known as Hero Alam. Violence has no place in the democratic process.”

“Everyone involved in the upcoming elections should ensure that they are free, fair, and peaceful,” said the diplomatic missions in Dhaka.

Read: Won’t join any election again under Awami League govt: Hero Alam

The joint statement was signed by the embassies or high commissions of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, United States and the delegation of the European Union.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also said they will investigate if any police negligence led to the assault on Hero Alam.