The election inquiry committee formed to check pre-election irregularities ordered the Jatiya Sangshad Whip Shamsul Hoque Chowdhury to appear before it in person by 2:00pm Tuesday, as he didn’t turn up by Sunday to explain the issue of violating electoral code of conduct.

The inquiry committee Chairman Senior Assistant Judge Sheikh Md Mohibullah issued the order as the whip submitted a time petition through his lawyer on Saturday afternoon.

Earlier, the chairman issued a notice to the whip for unduly using government facilities during nomination form submission, including using government vehicles and enjoying police protocol, which is a violation of electoral code of conduct.

Shamsul was asked to appear in person at the chairman’s office by Sunday afternoon to explain his position regarding the issues of code of conduct violation that appeared in the online editions of two national dailies.

The incumbent lawmaker from Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency came to the office of Chattogram Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman on Thursday in a vehicle carrying the national flag and with police protocol.

According to Article 14(1) and 14(2) of the electoral rules, individuals benefiting from the government cannot integrate “election programmes or activities” into their government agenda.

It is prohibited to use government vehicles, government propaganda machines, or other government facilities for election campaigning for themselves or others.

According to court bench assistant Oni Das Gupta, Shamsul sent a time petition through his lawyer on Sunday.

The whip in the petition said he could not appear before the committee due to stay in the capital for important works for the last two days and he will appear at 2:00pm on Tuesday.

The court accepted the petition and asked him to appear by 2:00pm on Tuesday, added the bench assistant.

Mentionable, Shamsul failed to secure a nomination from the Awami League (AL) and decided to contest the upcoming national election as an independent candidate.

However, leaders and activists in the constituency have expressed their satisfaction with the nomination of Motaherul Islam Chowdhury, the president of District (South) AL, as the party candidate for the upcoming general election in the constituency.

They said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has shown her political wisdom by choosing Motaherul as the candidate. Patiya will get rid of the bad image of the AL created by Shamsul Hoque.

Earlier, Shamsul Hoque, his son and other family members drew criticism and hit the headlines for their controversial activities – irregularities, extortions, and land grabbing and nomination trades.

Local leaders alleged that he has been carrying out oppression on the dedicated and tested leaders of the party so that he could create his cycle to grab land, run drug businesses and extort money from people.

BDST: 2019 HRS, DEC 03, 2023
MSK/SMS