Azad’s nomination cancelled in Cox’s Bazar

Staff Reporter :

The Election Commission has cancelled the nomination of Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad for the Cox’s Bazar-2 constituency, officials said on Thursday.

According to sources at the returning officer’s office, Cox’s Bazar-2 Returning Officer Md Abdul Hannan initially decided to suspend Azad’s nomination after scrutinising the documents submitted with his nomination papers. Following further review and consultation of relevant laws and records, the returning officer later took the decision to cancel the nomination outright.

Officials familiar with the process said the decision was taken in line with electoral rules after discrepancies were found during verification. The returning officer’s office, however, did not immediately provide detailed reasons for the cancellation.

Before the cancellation, Hamidur Rahman Azad had been actively engaged in election-related activities across the constituency. Local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders said he had held a series of meetings with party activists and supporters in different upazilas of Cox’s Bazar-2, focusing on organisational strengthening and voter outreach.

He was also seen visiting local markets and residential areas, exchanging greetings with residents and discussing issues such as employment, education, and development of the coastal region.

Party sources said Azad had instructed grassroots leaders to intensify door-to-door campaigns and prepare polling agents, anticipating a competitive race. Several small gatherings and courtesy visits were reportedly organised in recent days as part of his campaign efforts, though no large rallies were held.

Following the cancellation of the nomination, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders expressed disappointment and said they would review the decision before determining their next course of action. The Election Commission has maintained that all nomination papers are being examined strictly in accordance with the law to ensure a fair and credible electoral process.

The development has added a new twist to the electoral contest in Cox’s Bazar-2, drawing significant attention from local political circles.