Reza Kibria show-caused over ‘code breach’

News Desk :

BNP-nominated parliamentary candidate Reza Kibria has been served a show-cause notice over alleged violations of the election code of conduct in Habiganj-1 constituency.

The notice was issued by the election inquiry and judicial committee, asking him to explain his position over the allegations. Signed on Jan 5 by committee Chairman Syedur Rahman, a judge of the Ajmiriganj Civil Judges Court, the notice said two separate complaints were received from the Nabiganj assistant returning officer’s office on Jan 4, reports bdnews24.com.

The first complaint, filed by Jitu Mia Sentu of Osmani Road, alleged that Kibria campaigned by distributing leaflets and handbills with supporters at Imambari Bazar in the Upazila around 6pm on Jan 2.

The second complaint was lodged by Mosfikuzzaman Chowdhury Noman of Nabiganj Moddho Bazar, accusing Kibria of carrying out similar campaign activities at Panjarai Bazar around 4pm on Jan 3.

Two photographs were submitted with each complaint as evidence of the alleged violations.

The notice asked the fomer Gono Odhikar Parishad leader to submit a written explanation by Jan 14 on why a recommendation should not be sent to the Election Commission for legal action following the inquiry.

District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Abu Hasnat Md Arafin said, “The chairman of the election judicial committee has issued him [Kibria] a notice. We remain alert for any breach of the code of conduct.”
Kibria, an economist and former International Monetary Fund (IMF) official, is the son of the late Shah AMS Kibria, former finance minister and Awami League leader.

After spending much of his career abroad, he entered Bangladeshi politics in 2018 and joined the BNP most recently in December 2025.

Asked about the notice, he said: “I have heard about it. My lawyer is looking into the matter.”