Election
BNP-Jamaat ask people not to vote as they believe in elections without voting: Law Minister
The BNP-Jamaat has asked people not to vote because they believe in being elected without voting, said Law Minister Anisul Huq on Thursday.He was addressing his election rally as the chief guest at Chanpur playground in Akhaura upazila of Brahmanbaria district in the afternoon.
Anisul, the Awami League-nominated candidate for Brahmanbaria-4 (Kasba-Akhaura) constituency, said that according to the constitution, the people of the country are the source of all power.
Cumilla presiding officer show-caused for campaigning in favour of AL candidate Mustafa Kamal
“People will elect their representatives through democratic voting rights. But a mischievous quarter is trying to stop them from going to the polling centres by boycotting the election. The BNP used to hold elections without voters during their time,” he said.On January 7, the people of the country will go to the polling centres and show the whole world how much they love the country, he said.
Upazila Awami League President Mohammad Ali Chowdhury, General Secretary Takjil Khalifa Kajal, party leaders, and activists, among others, were present.
Election campaign: 11 Laxmipur AL leaders relieved of posts
Cumilla presiding officer show-caused for campaigning in favour of AL candidate Mustafa Kamal
A presiding officer in Cumilla has been served with a show cause notice for campaigning for the Awami League-nominated candidate for Cumilla-10 constituency AHM Mustafa Kamal, in the upcoming 12th Parliamentary Election.
Mustafa Kamal is the current lawmaker from the constituency and also the finance minister of the country.
Kushtia-3: Mahbubul Alam Hanif, his cousin served show-cause notices
Senior Assistant Judge Rajib Kumar Dev, chairman of the Election Search Committee of Cumilla-10 (Sadar South, Lalmai, and Nangalkot) constituency, served the show-cause notice on Wednesday to the accused, Md Abdul Halim.
Abdul Halim is a lecturer at Lalmai Upazila Principal Abul Kalam Majumder Women's College. He was directed to appear before the Election Search Committee on December 29 and reply to the notice.
Sitakunda upazila chairman served show-cause notice for using govt vehicle during electioneering
When contacted, the accused college teacher refused to comment on the matter.
The notice said that according to information published in the media (social media) on Tuesday, Abdul Halim was seen campaigning with boat leaflets along with Kamal’s daughter and brother on Monday at Hazat Khola Bazar of Bhulin Uttar Union of Lalmai and asked people to vote for the boat symbol.
Polls Code Violation: AL Ctg-3 candidate served show-cause notice for second time
The notice also stated that Abdul Halim's actions were contrary to a free and fair election environment.
Rajshahi-4 constituency: Attack by AL-backed candidate’s supporters leaves 7 opponents hurt
At least seven supporters of an independent candidate for Rajshahi-4 seat Enamul Haque were injured in an attack allegedly by the supporters of Awami League (AL)-nominated candidate Abul Kalam Azad in Sreepur union of Bagmara upazila of Rajshahi district on Wednesday.
The attack was made within just two days after both the feuding groups gave undertaking to the district’s returning officer and superintendent of police that they would not get locked into clash centring the national parliamentary elections scheduled to be held January 7 next.
Ctg-11 independent candidate’s election camp set on fire
Three of the injured identified as current parliament member and also independent candidate Enamul’s former personal secretary Jillur Rahman, Sreepur union AL’s organising secretary Bajlur Rahman and party activist Alamgir Hossain were admitted to Upazila Health Complex while the rest were released after giving first aid.
Jillur said that some 20 to 25 supporters of the AL-backed candidate riding on motorbikes came to Sreepur Government Primary School on Wednesday noon and attacked them with sticks, rods and other locally-made weapons when they were conducting campaigns by distributing leaflets among voters.
Don't be part of dummy election meant to extend AL's illegal power: BNP
The attack left seven supporters including him injured, Jillur said.
Moreover, three mobile phone sets were snatched away from them when they were trying to call police, according to him.
He alleged that police came to the spot around one hour after the incident though it takes five minutes to reach there from the police station.
Govt’s “desperate" bid to take voters to polling stations gets no response: Rizvi
Confirming the incident, Bagmara police station’s inspector (investigation) Soheb Khan said they sent force to the spot after being informed.
Some people were injured in the attack by the AL supporters, he said, adding that legal actions will be taken once complaints are lodged.
Earlier on Tuesday, three supporters of the independent candidate were injured in an attack by the ruling party’s fellows.
Ctg-11 independent candidate’s election camp set on fire
Chattogram-11 (Bandar-Patenga) constituency’s independent candidate Ziaul Haque Sumon’s election camp was set on fire early Wednesday.
The incident happened at the election camp set up beside the house of Abdul Mabud Sawdagar of Ward-39 in the city.
5 injured as AL supporters attack Faridpur-3 independent candidate’s office
Eyewitnesses said they suddenly saw Sumon's election camp on fire around 4:00 am on Wednesday. The fire burned the south and east sides of the camp. However, no one knows who started the fire, as there was no one around the spot at the time.
“Neither I believe in violence nor do I advocate violence. I have become an independent candidate by capitalising on the love of the people of the area. I always tell my workers to avoid violence. I hope the administration will take legal action after a proper investigation into today's incident,” said Sumon.
Chattogram-4: ‘Health official’ running as independent candidate breaching electoral code of conduct
EPZ Police Station Inspector (investigation) Zamal Uddin said, “The fence on both sides of the election camp was burned in the fire. The independent candidates' supporters have accused the boat symbol supporters for the incident."
Rajshahi-4 independent candidate alleges attack by opponents
“The police did not find anyone on the spot. We are investigating who set the camp on fire, added the inspector.
The independent candidate did not file a case over the incident.
Election campaign: 11 Laxmipur AL leaders relieved of posts
Eleven Awami League leaders have been relieved of their respective posts allegedly for campaigning in favour of independent candidate MA Sattar (truck symbol) in Laxmipur-3 constituency.
A press release signed by the district’s Chandraganj Thana Awami League President Abul Kashem Chowdhury and General Secretary Abdul Wahab confirmed the matter on Tuesday night.
It was also decided that they would not be able to be candidates for any party post in the future.
The expelled leaders are Chandraganj Thana Awami League Vice-President Wahiduzzaman Beg Bablu, Joint General Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Patwary, Treasurer Harunur Rashid Patwary, Labour Secretary Nasir Patwary, Cultural Secretary Humayun Kabir, Members Shamsul Alam Babul Patwary, Nurul Amin, Sohrab Hossain Rubel Patwary, Lokman Master and Md Jahangir Alam. Khaled.
Read: Fog disrupts Daulatdia- Paturia ferry services for 4hrs
Earlier on December 19, Mandari Union Awami League General Secretary Md. Masood was relieved of party post.
According to the press release, the expelled leaders were absent from party activities violating the party constitution,and involved in immoral activities.
Meanwhile, Sohrab Hossain Rubel Patwary, chairman of Mandari Union Parishad, protested the decision through a Facebook post.
Abdul Wahab, general secretary of Chandraganj Thana Awami League, said 11 people have been expelled on the directive of the district Awami League for being absent from the party's activities, violating the constitution, and involvement in immoral activities.
Read: 2 held with gold bars worth almost Tk5-cr in Chuadanga
It is not our business which candidate they vote for, he said.
Laxmipur-3 constituency Awami League president and current MP Golam Faruk Pinku is the candidate for boat. Mohammadpur Thana Awami League President MA Sattar is in the field as a strong competitor with him.
Faridpur-1 AL candidate fined Tk 20,000 for violating electoral code of conduct
A mobile court on Tuesday fined Awami League presidium member and the party's Faridpur-1 constituency candidate Abdur Rahman for violating the electoral code of conduct.
A mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Md Khairuzzaman slapped the fine for "decorating the election camp and boat symbol with lights at night" at Shibpur Rail Gate in Boalmari upazila.
AL candidate for Ctg-16 Mustafizur sued by EC
AL-backed candidate Abdur Rahman, independent candidate Arifur Rahman Dolon, BNM candidate Md Abu Zafar, Jatiya Party candidate Akteruzzaman, and Supreme Party candidate Nur Islam Shikdar are contesting the polls under the Faridpur-1 constituency.
Sitakunda upazila chairman served show-cause notice for using govt vehicle during electioneering
AL candidate for Ctg-16 Mustafizur sued by EC
The Election Commission filed a case against Awami League-nominated candidate Mustafizur Rahman for Chattogram-16 constituency for assaulting journalists and violating the electoral code of conduct.
Banshkhali Election Officer Harun Mollah filed the case with the Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Deb's court under section 8 (b) of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Ctg District Public Prosecutor (PP) Advocate Sheikh Iftekhar Saimul Chowdhury said, the court issued summon against the accused and ordered him to appear before it by January 3.
EC issues show-cause notice to MP candidate Mostafizur for attacking journalists
According to the case statement, two journalists were physically harassed by Mustafizur Rahman and his followers when he was asked about violation of electoral code of conduct during submission of nomination papers at Chattogram Deputy Commissioner’s office on November 30. The accused also vandalised cameras and other equipment during the attack.
AL-nominated candidate physically harasses 2 journalists in Ctg
It also said, Mustafizur accompanied by a huge convoy came to the DC office to submit the nomination papers in the morning violating the electoral code of conduct.
As per the electoral code of conduct, a candidate can’t take more than five supporters to collect and submit nomination papers.
Never wanted opposition parties to stay out of election: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said that his party didn’t want the opposition parties to stay out of the national election and it would have been more competitive if those, including BNP, took part.
“We never wanted the opposition to stay out of the election. Many are participating, but if those, including the BNP, had decided to participate, the election would have been more competitive. We know there could be a strong competition,” he said.
Read: Chattogram-4: ‘Health official’ running as independent candidate breaching electoral code of conduct
Quader said this while inaugurating a polling agent training programme at Dhaka district Awami League office.
"BNP thought that without them, there would be no people across the country, the election would not be festive, and voter turnout would go to zero. But have failed in their movement,” he said.
Now they are telling stories about how the government will fail, how voter turnover will be low, and how elections will not be free and fair, he said.
He further accused BNP of attempting to disrupt the election through terrorism and violence.
Referring to the BNP's movement to boycott the election, Quader said, “They want to foil the election through terrorism and violence, not through processions and demonstrations. This terrorism and violence have taken a terrible form.”
Read: Election-related violence won't be tolerated: Obaidul Quader
About the demand for caretaker government, Quader said, “We (AL) enforced hartals for caretaker government, but BNP destroyed and distorted the caretaker system. That's why we don't want it. We did not abolish the caretaker government system; the judiciary did it. So this system is dead; there is no need to bring it back to life.”
Mentioning that political parties in many countries around the world boycott elections, Quader said, “But violence to foil the election is a rare incident. This is happening in Bangladesh.”
Criticizing Tarique Rahman, Quader said, “He is not doing politics now, he is destroying politics, conspiring to destroy the country's democracy. His father, Ziaur Rahman, destroyed democracy in this country.”
"We are passing through a very difficult time. The whole world is reeling under crisis. We are not isolated from the effects of the global crisis. There is an inseparable connection with international politics,” said the AL general secretary.
Referring to the crises in Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East, Quader said, "We are also in crisis in such a situation. Poor people are suffering in the country. Price hike in daily essentials has created an atmosphere of misery for the people. As the ruling party, we cannot avoid responsibility.”
Chattogram-4: ‘Health official’ running as independent candidate breaching electoral code of conduct
A health official is vying for the next parliamentary election as an independent candidate from the Chittagong-4 constituency, allegedly concealing his professional identity in the nomination paper.
The accused official is Md Salauddin, a health assistant at Sitakunda Upazila Health Complex.
He submitted his nomination paper mentioning his profession as “business” instead of government service.
Azad v Shamim in Faridpur-3: AL candidate's supporters injured in attack
According to sources, his nomination paper was rejected by the returning officer concerned and the Election Commission on the ground of “fraudulence” in collecting signatures of one percent of voters. He later got back his candidacy through appealing to the court.
Dr Nur Uddin Rashed, Sitakunda Health and Family Welfare Officer, said Salahuddin has been working as a health assistant at the health complex for several years.
He collected the nomination papers as an independent candidate for Chattogram-4 constituency without informing the higher authorities.
“When we got to know, a show cause letter was sent to him on November 11, but he did not respond,” said Dr Nur Uddin.
Sitakunda upazila chairman served show-cause notice for using govt vehicle during electioneering
“Then I issued a second and third show cause letter to him on December 18 and 25, but he still did not reply,” he said.
“I also informed the matter to the civil surgeon of Chattogram, the divisional commissioner and the returning officer,” said Dr Nur Uddin.
He also sent a written complaint to all authorities concerned, including the Election Commission secretary, director general of Health Department, and the UNO, to take action against Salahuddin for participating in the election.
When asked, Assistant Returning Officer and Sitakunda UNO, KM Rafiqul Islam, said that he is yet to receive the copy of the written complaint. He will inform the returning officer and the Election Commission to take action upon receiving the complaint, he added.
EC sends letter to declare Jan 7 as general holiday
Dr Ilias Chowdhury, Civil Surgeon of Chattogram, said they officially informed the EC of the matter, asking to take necessary action against Salahuddin as per the rules.
When asked, Salahuddin said that he started electioneering from Monday after receiving the electoral symbol “rocket”. However, when asked about the issue of concealing his designation as a health official, he cut the call.
Azad v Shamim in Faridpur-3: AL candidate's supporters injured in attack
Two supporters of the Awami League-nominated candidate in the fiercely competitive Faridpur-3 constituency were injured in an attack on Monday, causing them to be hospitalised.
They were admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College (BSMMC).AL's Faridpur-3 candidate Shamim Haque claimed that his supporters were attacked by the supporters of independent candidate AK Azad around 9pm at Gopalpur union while they were hanging posters.
While denying any kind of attack, AK Azad's election coordinator, Md Shoebul Islam, said it was a staged incident.
"They attacked our supporters continuously and staged this to hide the fact," he said.
Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (operation) Abdul Gaffar Hossain said the incident is under investigation.The two candidates have been going at it since submitting their nominations, with a battle to disqualify each other going all the way to the Supreme Court. Azad was known to covet the AL nomination, for which he had bought the form. But when it went to Shamim, he jumped on the chance to run as an independent, backing himself to peel away a sizable chunk of the AL vote from the party's candidate with him.
Provided both stay in the race, it is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested races in the coming election.