election
Megaprojects coming as I run to ministries and offices: Mashrafe
Narail-2 Awami League candidate for the 12th Parliamentary Election, Mashrafe bin Mortaza, said that megaprojects have been coming to his constituency as he can run from one place to another and get things done.
"I can stick to a job. I can endure hardship. I can go to ministries. Mega projects have been coming to Narail today because I ran from one place to another,” he said at a street rally in Gilatala Primary School grounds in Kashipur Union of Lohagara Upazila on Monday.
Faridpur-1 constituency: Mashrafe campaigns for Awami League candidate
"IT parks, engineering colleges—all of these are right beside your homes. If these don't come, where will your sons and daughters study, and where will they get trained? When the children grow up, they will support their families; they will be able to live well. However, we need to create that place. On January 7, please go to the polling centre and cast your valuable vote. I have come with the boat symbol. I believe you will provide an opportunity for your children to work by casting your votes for them," said the candidate.
4 supporters of Mashrafe fined for breaching electoral code
Narail District Awami League Vice-President Adv. Syed Ayub Ali, Lohagara Upazila Parishad Chairman, SMA Hannan Runu, and Lohagara Upazila Awami League President Munshi Alauddin were present at the time, among others.
According to information from the Election Commission, in the parliamentary elections, Narail-2 constituency has a total of 365,729 voters in two municipalities and 20 unions. Among them, 181,990 are male voters, and 183,736 are female voters.
Mashrafe urges voters to cast vote on January 7
Ward Councillor fined for breaching electoral code in Sitakunda
A mobile court on Sunday fined Didarul Alam Apello, Ward Councilor of Chattogram's Sitakunda municipality, Tk 5000 for violating the electoral code of conduct.Md Alauddin, assistant commissioner (Land) and executive magistrate of the mobile court, slapped the penalty.According to mobile court sources, he was fined for miking in favour of AL candidate SM Al Mamun in front of the upazila complex, which is a violation of electoral code."No one will be spared for breaching the code of conduct and this kind of operation will continue until the polling day to conduct and complete the election properly,” said Executive Magistrate Mohammad Alauddin.
12th parliamentary election: 2 JP candidates withdraw candidature in Barishal
Two Jatiya Party candidates in Barishal and Barguna have announced their withdrawal from the upcoming 12th parliamentary election.
Engineer Iqbal Hossain Taposh, the Jatiya Party candidate for Barisal-5 (Sadar) and Barisal-2 (Banaripara-Wazirpur) constituencies, announced his withdrawal at a press conference held at a community center in the city on Sunday morning.
Read: BNP leader Alal among eight sentenced to 3 years jail in arson case
Meanwhile, Khalilur Rahman, the Jatiya Party candidate for Barguna-1 (Sadar-Amtali-Taltoli) constituency, announced his withdrawal at the same press conference.
Iqbal Hossain Taposh said, "The Election Commission claims they are determined to hold a neutral and fair election. But in action and other behaviors, it seems that they are toothless controlled by a party and the government.”
He accused Awami League of crossing the electoral barrier by bribing some seats between the 14-party and other political parties.
"All in all, it seems to me that a farcical election is going to be held again on January 7. The general public has no involvement in the election. There is only one party and its activists are going to participate in this election. So, considering the overall consideration, our leaders and activists think it is better not to participate in this election,” said the Jatiya Party-nominated candidate.
“So I want to say in front of everyone that I have decided to step aside from the election of January 7," he added.
Meanwhile, election campaign for other candidates is ongoing as the country gears up for 12th parliamentary election.
Read: Bangladesh High Commission celebrates ‘National Expatriates Day’ in Canada
Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, who is contesting the Barishal-5 and Barishal-2 seats, campaigned in the constituency on Sunday.
Besides, independent candidate for Barishal-4 (Hijla-Mehendiganj) constituency Pankaj Nath campaigned with the eagle symbol in Bidyananda area of Mehendiganj.
Lalmonirhat-1: Boat set on fire allegedly by Eagle supporters
A boat installed in a public spot by Awami League supporters as part of their electioneering was set on fire allegedly by supporters of an independent candidate for the Lalmonirhat-1 constituency in Hatibandha upazila in Lalmonirhat on Saturday morning.
Awami League leaders accused supporters of independent candidate and former Sonali Bank MD Ataur Rahman Prodhan.
The incident took place at Hatkhola Bazar of Gaddimari village, under the Gaddimari union of the upazila.
Gaddimari Union Parishad Chairman and Upazila Awami League Organizing Secretary Abu Bakar Siddique Shyamol said preparation is underway to file a case over the incident.
The boat was put up on two bamboo poles as part of their election campaign at Hatkhola Bazar. It was set on fire in the early hours of Saturday.
Abu Bakar Siddique Shyamol said, "When we hung the boat in the market, the supporters of the eagle symbol (Prodhan's symbol) obstructed us.”
The boat was hung opposite the house of the grandfather of the eagle symbol candidate, Ataur Rahman, and his election office.
“They brought AC land and tried to remove the boat symbol but failed; after that, they set the boat on fire on Saturday morning,” he added.
Mostafizur Rahman Milu, a campaigner of the eagle symbol, said, “We did not set the fire. They are the ones obstructing our campaign.”
Independent candidate Ataur Rahman did not respond to repeated calls seeking comment.
However, his election coordinator Sarwar Hayat Khan said, "We did not set fire to the boat. They are blaming us after staging it.”
Hatibandha Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saiful Islam said, “No complaint has been received in this regard yet. Necessary steps will be taken after we get an official complaint.”
12th Parliamentary Election: Over 1.34 crore voters in Khulna division to cast ballots
In the upcoming 12th Parliamentary Election, 1,34,46,783 voters across ten districts in the Khulna division are set to cast their ballots for 36 seats.
There are 67,46,491 male, 67,00,205 female voters, as confirmed by Khulna Region Election Officer Md Humayun Kabir.
The division will feature 4,984 polling centers. Out of 322 nomination papers submitted, 228 were accepted, 94 rejected, and 38 candidates withdrew.
Supporters of Palak served show cause notices for threatening supporters of independent candidate
A total of 236 candidates are contesting for the 36 seats. In Khulna district, 19,99,882 voters (10,00,084 male, 9,99,784 female, and 14 transgender) will vote at 793 centers, with 39 candidates vying for six seats.
In Bagerhat, 12,81,134 voters (6,44,086 male, 6,37,040 female, and eight transgender) will participate in electing representatives for four seats from 26 candidates across 4,088 stations.
Satkhira district has 30 candidates for four seats, with 17,46,224 voters (8,76,984 male, 8,69,228 female, and 12 transgender) voting in 602 stations.
In Jashore, 23,39,055 voters (11,76,105 male, 11,62,953 female, and 15 transgender) will cast votes for six seats in 825 booths.
Actions taken considering crime, not by party or candidate: Election Commissioner Rashida
Narail district has 6,41,132 voters (3,21,000 male, 3,20,129 female, and three transgender) voting at 257 centers for two seats, contested by 14 candidates.
Meherpur, with two seats, has 5,55,966 voters (2,77,049 male, 2,78,915 female, and two transgender) and 13 candidates, voting in 207 stations.
Jhenaidah's 15,01,480 voters (7,54,670 male, 7,46,798 female, and 12 transgender) will select from 26 candidates for four seats in 585 stations.
Kushtia district, with 16,43,912 voters (8,22,516 male, 8,21,388 female, and eight transgender), has 31 candidates for four seats, voting in 578 centers.
Chuadanga has 9,50,078 voters (4,75,792 male, 4,74,278 female, and eight transgender) voting in 354 centers for two seats from 15 candidates.
Magura's 7,87,920 voters (3,98,205 male, 3,89,710 female, and five transgender) will vote for two seats in 295 centers, contested by ten candidates.
Faridpur-3: AL's election camp set on fire, independent candidate's supporters under attack
To ensure a free, fair, and neutral election, ten returning officers, 71 assistant returning officers, 4,984 presiding officers, 30,253 assistant presiding officers, and 60,506 polling agents will be on duty.
The election, scheduled for January 7, 2024, was announced by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on November 15, 2023. The nomination deadline was November 30, with scrutiny from December 1-4 and withdrawal by December 17.
Supporters of Palak served show cause notices for threatening supporters of independent candidate
The election inquiry committee has issued two show cause notices to 11 supporters of Awami League candidate of Natore-3 constituency, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, for threatening to kill supporters of an independent candidate.
The chairman of the committee and Pabna Assistant Judge Mustafa Kamal issued the show cause notice in two letters on Friday.
According to the notice, eight of the eleven people threatened to kill the supporters of independent candidate Shafiqul Islam and vandalised the temporary canopy in Sherkol Bazar on the evening of December 25.
The next day, December 26, at 3:30 pm, the rest of them obstructed the electioneering for Shafiqul Islam's symbol "Eagle", and threatened to kill them.
Kamrul Hasan, chief agent of the Independent candidate, filed a complaint against them.
The committee asked them to appear in person and submit a written response at 3pm on December 30.
Ruhul Amin, chief agent of AL-backed candidate Palak was called several times for his comments but he did not pick up the phone.
1 killed, 25 injured in AL infighting at PM's Barishal rally venue
One person was killed, and 25 others were injured in a clash between two factions of the Awami League ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's rally in Barishal on Friday.
Siraj Sikder, 55, was killed on the spot. The injured were admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital.
The clash broke out between the two groups- supporters of AL-nominated candidate Shammi Ahmed and Pankaj Debnath- incumbent MP of Barishal-4 constituency who is running as an independent, at the entrance of the rally venue.
The deceased Siraj Sikder was president of Guabaria Union Krishak League of Hizla upazila. Both sides claimed that Siraj Sikder was their campaigner.
The clash was still ongoing when Sheikh Hasina got on the stage.
According to witnesses, a large number of supporters of Pankaj Debnath, independent candidate of Barisal-4 constituency, came to Bangabandhu Uddyan around 3:30 pm. The followers of Awami League's International Affairs Secretary Dr. Shammi Ahmed, were already there.
Shammi is currently fighting a legal battle in the High Court to get back her nomination that was scrapped by the Election Commission on the grounds of dual citizenship.
MP Pankaj said that he came to Barishal by launch with the Prime Minister to join the public meeting.
"My workers and supporters were attacked when they were entering the meeting ground. Siraj Sikder has been my worker since the beginning and has been working for the eagle symbol in the election," he said.
Claiming that the attack was pre-planned, Pankaj said, "They were ready at the entrance knowing that my supporters would come. As soon as they entered, they carried out the attack, one person was killed, and several others were injured."
Dr. Shammi Ahmed did not respond to repeated calls seeking comment.
Her campaigner, Syed Munir, a member of the Awami League's international affairs sub-committee, said, "Siraj Sikder was our activist. He came to Barishal with Hizla Upazila Awami League President Tipu Sultan. Our people, including Siraj Sikder, were attacked when they were about to enter the rally venue, and he died on the spot."
Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital's emergency department doctor Kamruzzaman Tuhin said, "Siraj Sikder was brought dead to the hospital. Initially, we thought he died of a heart attack. It is not possible to say anything in detail without an autopsy."
Actions taken considering crime, not by party or candidate: Election Commissioner Rashida
Addressing the neutrality of the Election Commission (EC) in ensuring level-playing field, Commissioner Rashida Sultana on Friday said that all candidates are equal to them and actions are taken considering crime, not by party or candidate.
She made the remarks while talking to reporters after a view exchange meeting with candidates, administrative officials and presiding officers at the conference room of Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner on Friday noon.
Rashida warned that the EC will take actions against those candidates violating the polls code of conduct and this programme has been escalated.
“The commission is trying to keep the voting environment fair. We have made arrangements so that voters can cast their votes without any hindrance,” she asserted.
Earlier, the commissioner held the meeting with the stakeholders where the candidates put forward some problems they are facing.
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Habibur Rahman, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Abdul Baten, Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ullah and Superintendent of Police Mohammad Saiful Islam, among others, were present at the view exchange meeting.
Faridpur-3: AL's election camp set on fire, independent candidate's supporters under attack
Two temporary election camps of 'boat' symbol in the fiercely competitive Faridpur-3 constituency were set on fire on late Thursday night.
There were also allegations of beating up the supporters of the independent candidate AK Azad by AL candidate Shamim Haque's supporters on Friday morning.
Niaz Zaman Sajib, publicity secretary of Faridpur district Awami League, said chairs, tables and posters were set on fire in Shovarampur area of ward 1 of Faridpur municipality and Dayarampur area of ward 8 of Machar union of Sadar upazila.
He said preparation is underway to submit a written complaint to the police station in this regard.
Meanwhile, Siddique Sheikh and Abdul Aziz, supporters of independent candidate Azad, were beaten up on Friday morning, his camp alleged.
Azad's election coordinator Soyebul Islam said, "North Channel Union Awami League President Haji Mofazzal Hossain suddenly came with his men and beat up some of our activists with locally made weapons in the morning. They tried to intimidate us."
Shahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Faridpur's Kotwali Police Station, said police went to the spot to investigate both incidents.
"We have not yet received any written complaint, necessary steps will be taken after investigation", he said.
The two candidates have been in fierce dispute since submitting their nominations, with a battle to disqualify each other going all the way to the Supreme Court. Azad was known to covet the AL nomination, for which he had bought the form. But when it went to Shamim, he jumped on the chance to run as an independent, backing himself to peel away a sizable chunk of the AL vote from the party's candidate with him.
Provided both stay in the race, it is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested races in the coming election.
Naogaon-2 independent candidate dies hours after getting election symbol
Aminul Haque, an independent candidate from Naogaon-2 constituency, on Friday died hours after being allocated election symbol for the 12th parliamentary election.
He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka in the morning, said Aminul's son Asiful Haque.
Also read: Sylhet-2 independent candidate finally gets symbol
Aminul wanted to contest the parliamentary election from Naogaon-2 constituency with the “boat” symbol.
After failure to secure Awami League's nomination, he submitted papers to contest the election as an independent.
But the returning officer and the Election Commission cancelled his candidature citing various discrepancies in his nomination papers.
Later, Aminul filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking reinstatement of his candidacy.
After hearing the writ, the High Court on Wednesday ruled that his candidature was valid. Later, the “eagle” symbol was allocated to him from the Naogaon Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer’s office on Thursday.
Also read: Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development
Asiful, the son of Aminul said his father went to Dhaka on Monday to attend the hearing of the case.
“He became ill after going to Dhaka. Later, he was admitted to the United Hospital in the capital on Tuesday night. He died around 5:00 am today while undergoing treatment there. He was suffering from diabetes, heart disease and other complex diseases,” said Asif.
Apart from Aminul Haque of Naogaon-2 constituency, there are three more candidates. They are Awami League nominated candidate and incumbent MP Shahiduzzaman Sarker, Jatiya Party candidate Tofazzal Hossain and independent candidate Awami League leader Akhtarul Islam.
Asked whether the electoral activities of the constituency will be suspended after the death of the candidate, Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Golam Mowla said, "I heard the news of the death of independent candidate Aminul Haque of Naogaon-2 constituency through journalists this morning.”
Also read: Naogaon-5 : Supporters of independent candidate 'set fire' to 5 election camps of AL candidate
“We’ll announce the next steps once we determine legal directives in such situation,” he said.
Aminul Haque was elected mayor of Nazipur municipality in Patnitala upazila of Naogaon in 2006. Until his death, he served as the forest and environment affairs secretary of Naogaon district Awami League.
He also served as the general secretary of Patnitala Upazila Awami League several times from 1986 to 2006.