The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee has served a show-cause notice on Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr Faizul Haque for the Jhalakathi-1 (Rajapur–Kathalia) constituency over allegations of violating the electoral code of conduct.

The notice was issued on Friday (Jan 9) evening by Rezwana Afrin, joint district and sessions judge (Second Court) and head of the committee.

According to the notice, Dr Faizul made remarks during election campaigning that hurt religious sentiments and sought votes by using religion, which is a violation of electoral rules. He is also accused of campaigning before the officially permitted time, another breach of the code of conduct.

After reviewing reliable information, news reports, and video footage circulated on social media, the committee found that on January 7, during a courtyard meeting in Rajapur upazila, Dr Faizul Haque made a public statement that was considered an abuse of religious sentiment.

The notice further stated that the actions constitute clear violations of Rules 15(a), 16(ng), and 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections 2025. He has been asked to appear in person on January 12 and submit a written explanation as to why a recommendation for action against him should not be sent to the Election Commission.

Responding to the notice, Dr Faizul Haque said, “I respect the law and will respond to the notice within the stipulated time.”