Show-Cause Notice Issued to Chandanaish Candidate Over Alleged Election Showdown

Md. Kamal Uddin    |    ১০:৫৫ পিএম, ২০২৬-০১-২৮

Chattogram Chitra Desk: In the run-up to the upcoming parliamentary election, a show-cause notice has been issued to a candidate in Chandanaish Upazila of Chattogram over allegations of staging an election “showdown.” The allegation states that on 26 January at around 6:00 pm in Barama Union, the candidate carried out a promotional procession using motor vehicles and pickup trucks. The complaint was filed by Mr. M. A. Hashem Raju, Chief Coordinator of the Election Management Committee (Bangladesh Nationalist Party). He also submitted several photographs as evidence. Under the electoral code of conduct, such showdowns are considered violations of Rules 3 and 9, as they may directly influence political competition and exert undue pressure on voters. According to the notice issued by Sanjida Afroz Brishti, Chairperson of the Election Investigation and Judicial Committee for Parliamentary Constituency No. 291 (Chandanaish), the candidate has been directed to appear before the Senior Civil Judge’s Court at Satkania Chowki on Sunday, 1 February 2026, at 11:30 am and submit a written explanation. The notice clearly states that if no explanation is provided, a report with recommendations will be forwarded to the Election Commission. The notice further warns that appropriate legal action will be taken in the event of any violation of the electoral code of conduct. Copies of the notice have also been sent to the Officer-in-Charge of Chandanaish Police Station, the District Election Officer, the Upazila Election Officer, and the Assistant Returning Officer. Local political observers say that such allegations in Chandanaish are a significant indicator for maintaining transparency and legal discipline in the electoral process. They believe that failure by the candidate or party to provide a satisfactory explanation could set a precedent for violations of the electoral code of conduct. The Chattogram District Election Office and local police administration are monitoring the situation and have stated that the candidate must appear in court at the scheduled time to submit a written explanation, on the basis of which the Election Commission will make a decision. Meanwhile, ordinary voters in the area have expressed concern that such incidents during campaign activities and showdowns could undermine a fair voting environment. They hope the Election Commission will properly investigate the allegation and ensure a free and fair electoral atmosphere. The incident in Chandanaish is being viewed as a test of integrity and transparency in this year’s election. Election experts believe that awareness and strict adherence to the law by candidates and parties will play a crucial role in keeping the election peaceful and just.