Bangladesh Islami Front candidate Md Gias Uddin Taheri and BNP candidate SM Faisal have been served show-cause notices for their alleged violations of the election code of conduct in the Habiganj-4 (Madhabpur–Chunarughat) constituency.
The Election Investigation and Judicial Committee chairman Md Rabiul Hasan issued the notice, directing the candidates to appear in person at the Habiganj Circuit House and submit written explanations on Tuesday, January 20.
Confirming the matter, Assistant Returning Officer and Chunarughat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ziaur Rahman said the candidates received the notices on Monday, January 19.
According to the notices, a public meeting was held on January 6 at Itakhola Saheb Bari in Madhabpur upazila in support of BNP candidate SM Faisal. During the event, his son Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed allegedly urged voters to support his father by voting for the BNP’s sheaf of paddy symbol. SM Faisal, though present, reportedly did not intervene to prevent the solicitation, which was deemed a violation of election rules.
Separately, Taheri, a well-known Islamic speaker campaigning under the candle symbol, was accused of promoting his candidacy before the legally permitted period. Videos of his campaign activities were reportedly circulated on Facebook, despite regulations barring any election-related campaigning more than three weeks before polling day.
Separate show-cause notices were issued to both candidates for violating the election code of conduct, instructing them to appear at the Habiganj Circuit House to submit written responses on Tuesday.
Syed Ekhlasur Rahman Khokon/MHK