United News of Bangladesh

Two candidates contesting the 13th National Parliamentary Election from Feni-1 constituency, BNP candidate Rafiqul Alam Majnu and Jamaat-e-Islami's Advocate SM Kamal Uddin, have been served show-cause notices for allegedly violating the election code of conduct by campaigning on Facebook. The notices were issued on Saturday after the activities came to the attention of the Election Investigation and Judicial Committee. The committee is headed by Civil Judge Md Ehsanul Haque. According to the notice, campaign materials seeking votes for the sheaf of paddy symbol were repeatedly posted from a verified Facebook page named “Rafiqul Alam Majnu.” These included posters, banners and videos. Such activities were described as violations of Rules 3 and 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2025. Read More: Fresh election schedule declared for Pabna-1, Pabna-2 The committee decided to launch a suo motu investigation and registered the complaint as Election Complaint No-01/2026. The notice stated that under Rule 18, there is no legal scope for candidates to conduct election campaigning before January 22, 2026. Rafiqul Alam Majnu has been asked to appear in person before the Election Investigation and Judicial Committee for Feni-1 at its temporary office at the Senior Civil Judge Court in Chhagalnaiya at 11:30am on January 21 and explain, both verbally and in writing, why legal action should not be recommended against him. In a separate notice, the committee said that posters, banners and videos of public outreach activities seeking votes for the scale symbol were circulated from Facebook pages titled “Advocate SM Kamal Uddin” and “Jononeta Kamal Bhai – Feni-1.” These actions were also termed violations of Rules 3 and 18 of the election code. The committee registered this as Election Complaint No-02/2026 and directed Advocate SM Kamal Uddin to appear before the committee at 3:00pm on January 21 at the same venue to show cause why legal action should not be taken against him. The notice warned that failure to comply would result in action under the relevant rules. Copies of both orders have been sent to the accused candidates, the district administration and returning officer, the district election officer, and the upazila nirbahi officers and assistant returning officers of Fulgazi, Parshuram and Chhagalnaiya upazilas for necessary information and action. EC’s indifference undermining fair electoral environment: Nazrul Islam Khan

Nomination papers have been submitted on behalf of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia for the Feni-1 constituency (Fulgazi, Parshuram and Chhagalnaiya) to contest the national election. Party leaders and activists submitted her nomination form to Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Monira Haque around 1:30pm on Monday. BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu, National Executive Committee member Abu Taleb, District BNP Convener Sheikh Farid Bahar, Alal Uddin Alal and leaders from different upazilas were present. People regained voting rights: Fakhrul Rafiqul Alam Majnu, convener of Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP and election coordinator of the Feni-1 constituency, also submitted his nomination form as an alternative candidate due to Khaleda Zia’s illness. Abdul Awal Mintu said that an alternative candidate is kept for the seat. “The decision is taken as the party chairperson is ill and an alternative may be considered if she is unable to contest at the last moment,” he added. Though Khaleda Zia is not physically present in the field, campaigning is continuing in full swing. Party sources said Feni-1 has long been known as Khaleda Zia’s constituency. She has served as prime minister three times after being elected from this seat. Local and central party leaders have already distributed leaflets seeking votes for her. Earlier, on December 21, BNP leaders led by Abu Taleb collected the nomination form for Khaleda Zia. Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Professor Joynal Abedin submitted his nomination papers for Feni-2 constituency, Jamaat-nominated candidate SM Kamal Uddin for Feni-1, and BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu for Feni-3. Actively contribute to nation-rebuilding: Tarique to BNP activists Besides, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan Monju submitted his nomination for Feni-2, Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan and former Chhatra Shibir central president Dr Fakhruddin Manik for Feni-3, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan also submit their nomination papers. Feni District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque said a total of 45 aspirants collected nomination papers—13 for Feni-1, 16 for Feni-2 and 16 for Feni-3 constituencies. The submission of nomination papers continued until 5:00pm on Monday.