Surge in election code violations in N’ganj
Mushtaq Ahmed Shawon, N’ganj :
Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, there has been a noticeable increase in violations of the election code of conduct by candidates and their supporters in Narayanganj.
Allegations of threats and intimidation among rival candidates have also surfaced. Competing candidates have filed written complaints against one another.
Several candidates and supporters have already been fined based on these complaints. Some candidates have warned that if the situation is not brought under control, they may collectively withdraw from the race.
In response, District Commissioner and District Returning Officer Raihan Kabir stated that authorities have begun collecting information on anyone involved in intimidation or attempts to disrupt the election environment, and that no one will be spared.
Officials responsible for the five parliamentary constituencies in Narayanganj confirmed that earlier, Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate Golam Masih from Narayanganj-3 was fined BDT 10,000 for violating election rules.
On 10 January, he distributed campaign leaflets among women in Sonargaon municipality under the pretext of providing religious instruction. An executive magistrate imposed the fine after verifying the complaint on-site.
Similarly, on Monday, a supporter of BNP candidate Advocate Abul Kalam in Narayanganj-5 was fined BDT 10,000 for displaying election posters on a private vehicle, according to Executive Magistrate Tarikul Islam.
In Narayanganj-2, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Elias Molla submitted two written complaints to Araihazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Asadur Rahman, who is serving as Assistant Returning Officer.
One complaint alleges that his banners and festoons were torn down the previous night, while the other accuses opponents of obstructing and attacking his campaign in the Mollarchar area of Gopaldi municipality. Both complaints have been forwarded to the Election Investigation Committee for inquiry.
Additionally, two written complaints have been filed against BNP alliance candidate Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi in Narayanganj-4.
According to Sadar Upazila UNO SM Foyez Uddin, who is serving as Assistant Returning Officer, one complaint regarding the use of both the BNP symbol “Sheaf of Paddy” and his party’s symbol “Date Palm” on the same poster was investigated and resulted in a warning. Another complaint, alleging that he sought votes at a religious gathering, has been sent to the investigation committee.
In Fatullah’s Panchabati intersection, election camps of NCP and an independent candidate were found to be set up on the roadway.
After on-site inspection on Tuesday (27 January), both candidates’ representatives were fined BDT 2,000 each.
Meanwhile, in Narayanganj-5, independent candidate Maksud Hossain’s election agent and his wife, Nargis Akhter, submitted a written complaint alleging that supporters of BNP candidate Advocate Abul Kalam obstructed campaigning activities and issued threats.
Additional District Election Officer Md. Rakibuzzaman Renu confirmed that the complaint was submitted on 23 January.