Election
No external pressure over polls: EC Alamgir
Reiterating that there is no pressure from abroad over the election, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir on Sunday said they (foreigners) just wanted to know that the Election Commission will arrange to hold a fair election.
Alamgir said this while talking to reporters after a view-exchange meeting with Gazipur district returning officers, assistant returning officers, law enforcement officials and election officials over the 12th parliamentary election at the Bhawal conference room of Gazipur Deputy Commissioner office.
Md Alamgir said that the army will play a role in this election as a striking force. They will move following the direction of the police administration, returning officers, and presiding officers.
Read: Awami League shares 32 seats with Jatiya Party, allies
Calling the voters, the EC said the election will be held in a very peaceful and disciplined manner.
Gazipur Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Abul Fateh Mohammad Shafiqul Islam presided over the meeting while GMP Police Commissioner Md Mahbub Alam, District Superintendent of Police Kazi Shafiqul Alam, RAB-1 Porabari Camp Commander Yasir Arafat Hossain, BGB Commander Rafiqul Islam, District Election Officer AHM Kamrul Hasan and other responsible officials were present.
President approves in principle army deployment ahead of polls: EC secretary
President Md Shahabuddin has approved in principle the deployment of troops to maintain law and order across the country ahead of the 12th parliamentary election.
However, the decision on when the army will be deployed will be taken after further discussion, EC secretary Md Jahangir Alam said today.
Also read: President approves EC's request for army deployment centering polls
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal and EC Secretary Md Jahangir Alam met the president at Bangabhaban this morning.
The president gave his approval in principle during the meeting, said the EC secretary. He also said the president has assured all kinds of cooperation to ensure a fair and peaceful election.
AL candidate Shammi Ahmed loses appeal against cancellation of her candidacy
Awami League aspirant in Barishal-4 constituency Shammi Ahmed has crashed out of the upcoming election race as the Election Commission on Friday turned down her appeal against the cancellation of her candidacy by the returning officer.
But independent candidate and incumbent lawmaker Pankaj Debnath remained in race in the constituency as the Commission rejected another petition submitted by Shammi Ahmed.
Also read: 12th parliamentary polls: AL shares 7 seats with allies
The EC turned down the two petitions lodged by Shammi Ahmed following hearings at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.
AL international affairs secretary Shammi Ahmed submitted the two petitions challenging the decisions of Returning Officer – one is against the cancellation of her nomination paper and another is acceptance of Pankaj Debnath's nomination paper.
Shammi in her petition alleged that Pankaj Debnath concealed information in the affidavits submitted with his nomination paper.
Earlier, the Returning Officer cancelled Shammi's nomination paper on ground of having dual citizenship.
Also read: Hero Alom will withdraw candidature from national poll
The EC on December 10 started hearing and disposing of appeals filed by aggrieved aspirants against the acceptance and rejection of nomination papers during the scrutiny.
Jan 7 national polls: 255 aspirants so far get back candidacy
A total of 255 aspirants got back their candidacy in the last five days, while four others lost their candidature as the Election Commission is dealing with nearly 500 appeals filed by aggrieved hopefuls to contest the upcoming national election slated for January 07.
The commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on December 05 started hearing and disposing of the appeals submitted by aggrieved aspirants, challenging the acceptance and cancellation of the nomination papers by the returning officers.
Also read: 631 polling stations out of 793 are vulnerable in Khulna: Police
The EC accepted some 260 appeals, while turned down 213 ones and kept its decisions pending regarding 20 appeals.
With the acceptance of 260 petitions, some 255 aspirants got clearance to run the January 7 general election, while four aspirants lost candidacy though the returning officers earlier declared their nominations valid.
But two petitions were lodged against a single aspirant whose nomination paper was declared valid by the RO concerned. The Election Commission accepted the two petitions.
The commission accepted 56 appeals on Sunday, 51 on Monday, 61 Tuesday, 48 on Wednesday and 44 on Thursday.
Also read: EC’s desire to stop protests is unprecedented and anti-people: Rizvi
On Thursday, the EC turned down 52 petitions and kept its decision pending for four, hearing 100 appeals at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.
The commission will conclude hearing appeals on Friday. On the final day, the EC is supposed to hear more than 60 petitions including one for Awami League aspirant Shahjahan Omar in Jhalakathi-1 constituency, AL aspirant Shammi Ahmed and independent aspirant Pankaj Debnath in Barishal-4, AL aspirant Shamim Haque and independent aspirant AK Azad in Faridpur-3.
If anyone becomes aggrieved even with the EC’s decision over candidature, the person has scope to go to the higher court, challenging it.
A total of 561 aspirants filed appeals before the Election Commission, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over the cancellation or acceptance of nomination papers.
Also read: National Election: EC declares 61 more candidates valid
Earlier, a total of 2,716 aspirants including 747 independents submitted nomination papers in 300 constituencies throughout the country to run the 12th national parliamentary election.
But the returning officers accepted 1985 nomination papers and rejected 731 others during the scrutiny conducted on December 1-4.
Most of the 731 nomination papers were rejected on three grounds - mismatch in the 1pc voters’ signatures submitted by independent aspirants, loans and utility bills defaults, and dual citizenship.
The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17 and the candidates can go for electioneering from December 18 to January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8 am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.
Out of 44 registered political parties, 29 parties are contesting the general election, which is being boycotted by major party BNP and some others.
Faridpur-4 AL candidate Kazi Zafarullah show-caused for violating electoral code of conduct
Kazi Zafarullah, Awami League-nominated candidate for in Faridpur-4 constituency for the upcoming 12th National Parliamentary Election, has been issued a show notice for alleged violation of election code of conduct.
He is a member of the AL presidium and co-chairman of the party’s Election Steering Committee.
Kazi Zafarullah made co-chairman of AL election steering committee
The Election Inquiry Committee Chairman, Mohammad Main Uddin Chowdhury, issued the notice directing Zafarullah to explain the reasons for the alleged violation of conduct. The notice comes in response to allegations raised by independent candidate Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, alias Nixon Chowdhury, contesting for the same constituency.
According to the notice, the AL candidate has been accused of conducting public gatherings in the parliamentary constituency without proper authorization. Additionally, he has been charged with violating the Political Parties and Candidates' Code of Conduct, 2008, specifically Article 11(k), even before the official start of election campaigning.
Nixon Chowdhury appears in court over election code violation charges
Moreover, the notice highlights that Zafarullah failed to seek written permission from the relevant authorities for holding the said gathering and participated in the event without notifying the local police, violating Articles 6(k) and 6(g) of the aforementioned code.
The notice further stated that Zafarullah has breached provisions outlined in Articles 11(k), 6(k), and 6(g) of the Political Parties and Candidates' Code of Conduct, 2008, and Article 12, categorizing his actions as pre-election irregularities.
Nixon Chy gets bail in EC case
The Election Inquiry Committee has requested him to provide a written explanation for the alleged violations by 3 PM on December 14. Failure to comply may result in further action taken by the Election Commission.
Assistant Secretary Mamunur Rashid, the spokesperson for Kazi Zafarullah, stated, "We have not received the notice yet. If received, we will make necessary arrangements and decisions accordingly."
631 polling stations out of 793 are vulnerable in Khulna: Police
A total of 631 polling stations out of 793 have been identified as vulnerable ahead of the next parliamentary election, slated for January7.
‘Attempt to kill me to please BNP high command’: Former BNP MP and independent candidate of Bogura-4 Ziaul Haque says
Additional security measures will be ensured in those polling stations identified as vulnerable.
According to the sources at District Police, there are 46 polling stations in Batiaghata upazila under Khulna-1 constituency and of these, 33 have been identified as vulnerable while 31 polling stations in Dacope upazila out of 49 have been identified as risky.
Besides, 49 polling stations out of 59 in Rupsha upazila under Khulna-4 constituency have been identified as vulnerable while all 36 polling stations in Terokhada upazila and 21 out of 38 polling stations in Digholia upazila under the same constituency have been identified as risky.
Necessary preparations taken for upcoming national election: IGP
Under Khulna-5 constituency, 12 polling stations out of 25 in Phultala upazila have been identified as risky while 68 out of 88 polling centres in Dumuria upazila have been identified as vulnerable.
Meanwhile, 19 centers out of 79 in Paikgachha upazila and 56 out of 63 polling stations in Koyra upazila have been identified as vulnerable.
Mozammel Haque, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said 61 polling stations out of 157 under Khulna-2 constituency have been identified as the most vulnerable one while 27 polling stations out of 116 under the Khulna-3 constituency have alos been identified as risky.
Besides, all the 310 polling stations under the purview of Khulna metropolitan police are vulnerable.
State Minister for Public Administration showcaused for violating electoral code of conduct
However, the regular drives to arrest the criminals and recovery of illegal arms ahead of the election are underway, he said.
Meanwhile, check-posts will be set up at important points of the district.
‘Attempt to kill me to please BNP high command’: Former BNP MP and independent candidate of Bogura-4 Ziaul Haque says
Independent candidate of Bogura-4 (Kahalu-Nandigram) constituency and former BNP MP, Ziaul Haque Mollah, has filed a case in connection with the attack on him.
He filed the case on Tuesday against 35 people, including former BNP MP Mosharraf Hossain, at Kahalu Police Station.
Kahalu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Selim Reza confirmed the development.
National Election: EC declares 61 more candidates valid
Ziaul Haque alleged that he was attacked on the order of Mosharraf.
“There has been an attempt to kill me. I informed the administration about my safety. I believe I was attacked on the order of Mosharraf, as he wanted to please BNP’s high command,” he told media.
Necessary preparations taken for upcoming national election: IGP
He also said he had been threatened since he submitted his nomination as an independent candidate.
Ziaul Haque was attacked on Monday around 4 pm while campaigning for the upcoming general election. Four of his supporters were also reportedly injured in the attack.
Ziaul Haque Molla, whose father previously served as an MP from Bogura-4 constituency, followed in his footsteps. After his father’s passing in 1994, Ziaul took over the seat through a by-poll. He went on to win the seat twice more in 1996 and in 2001 – as a candidate for BNP.
State Minister for Public Administration showcaused for violating electoral code of conduct
National Election: EC declares 61 more candidates valid
The Election Commission on Tuesday declared 61 more aspirants as valid contenders, hearing 98 appeals filed by aggrieved ones against the decisions of the returning officers over the nomination papers in the upcoming national election.
With 61 new aspirants, a total of 168 hopefuls got back their candidacy in the first three days after the EC on Sunday started hearing and disposing of the appeals submitted against the cancellation or acceptance of nomination papers by the returning officers (ROs).
Also read: Raushan advises PM Hasina against electoral alliance with GM Quader: Document
On Tuesday, the commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal turned down 35 petitions and kept its decisions over two petitions pending following hearing at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.
The EC has so far heard 291 appeals in the first three days and made its decisions over 276 petitions and kept the decisions regarding 15 ones pending. Nine petitioners did not turn up in the hearing.
If anyone becomes aggrieved even with the EC’s decision over candidature, the person has scope to go to the higher court, challenging it.
Also read: Raushan meets PM at Ganabhaban
The commission is hearing and disposing of the petitions from December 10 to 15 as a total of 561 aggrieved aspirants challenged the ROs’ decisions.
Most of them lodged petitions against cancellation of nomination papers, while at least 30 aspirants against the acceptance of nomination papers.
Earlier, a total of 2,716 aspirants including 747 independent ones submitted nomination papers in 300 constituencies throughout the country to run the 12th national parliamentary election.
Out of 44 registered political parties, 29 parties are contesting the general election, which is being boycotted by major party BNP and some others.
Also read: National election: 51 more aspirants get back candidatures Monday
But the returning officers accepted 1985 nomination papers and rejected 731 others during the scrutiny conducted on December 1-4.
Most of the 731 nomination papers were rejected on three grounds - mismatch in the 1pc voters’ signatures submitted by independent aspirants, loans and utility bills defaults, and dual citizenship.
The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17 and the candidates can go for electioneering from December 18 to January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8 am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.
Also read: 56 aspirants including Mahi B Chy, Hero Alam get back candidature
Necessary preparations taken for upcoming national election: IGP
All necessary preparations have been taken so that the upcoming national election can be held in free, fair and festive manner, said Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on Tuesday.
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“We have necessary training, logistics and equipment and we are fully prepared with our manpower,” he said while talking to reporters after attending the 13th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Police Blood Bank in the city's Rajarbagh Police Lines.
“Already we have taken special plans for tackling pre-election, election-time and post-election situations and we are working as per the directive of the Election Commission after the announcement of election schedule,” he added.
Replying to a question, the IGP said “Our intelligence-based operations are being conducted to take action against any kind of sabotage and you all know that sporadic attacks are being carried out in different palces. Police are well prepared to provide necessary support for holding a free election dealing with all sabotage activities.”
Level playing field essential for credible elections: AB Party tells EU Mission
“We have not received any list of criminals or illegal arms holders from the EC but we have been directed to arrest them,” he said.
The drive against criminals and illegal arms holders will continue, he added.
State Minister for Public Administration showcaused for violating electoral code of conduct
State Minister for Public Administration and Awami League candidate for Meherpur-1 constituency Farhad Hossain has been served a show-cause notice by the Election Search Committee.
Joint District and Sessions Judge of Meherpur and Election Search Committee Chairman of Meherpur-1 constituency HM Kabir Hossain issued the show-cause notice on Sunday.
According to the notice, the State Minister for Public Administration and Awami League candidate participated in an election rally in front of the residence of Selim Reza, chairman of Kutubpur Union of Meherpur Sadar Upazila, on December 9 and went to the rally in government vehicle with police protocol.
This is a violation of rules 12 and 14 (2) of the Political Party and Candidates Conduct Rules 2008 in the parliamentary elections, the notice reads.