The Election Commission (EC) has warned Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for Lakshmipur-3 constituency Rezaul Karim after allegations of violating the code of conduct for the 13th Parliamentary Election were found to be true.
A letter, signed by the Election Commission Secretariat Deputy Secretary (Law-1) Mohammad Didar Hossain, confirmed the matter on Saturday, February 7.
The EC cautioned that any further breach of the code could lead to penalties, including cancellation of his candidacy.
According to the letter, Rezaul Karim engaged in election campaigning before the officially permitted period and sought votes by offering cash and promising housing assistance to voters. The actions were deemed to be in clear violation of election regulations.
The letter details an incident in the Academy Road area of Ward No. 8 under the constituency on January 9, where the candidate allegedly provided cash and pledged to construct a house for an elderly woman in exchange for her vote.
Following the incident, a written complaint was submitted to the Electoral Inquiry and Adjudication Committee by the chief election coordinator of a rival candidate.
After conducting an investigation, the committee found preliminary evidence supporting the complaint and submitted its report to the Election Commission on 27 January. The EC determined that the actions violated Rules 4(1) and 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2025.
The Commission warned that any repeat violations may result in punitive measures under Section 91K(6)(c) of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, including fines or cancellation of the candidate’s nomination.
Lakshmipur Deputy Commissioner and District Returning Officer SM Mehedi Hasan and Assistant Returning Officer and Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kathoypru Marma, however, could not be reached over the phone despite repeated attempts for their comments in this regard.
Kajal Kayes/MHK