Election Commission official charged in court with ‘assaulting ex-wife over dowry’

He has been charged following an investigation into a case filed by his ex-wife, a Dhaka-based businesswoman

The Women Support and Investigation Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has pressed charges against an Election Commission (EC) deputy secretary for allegedly assaulting his former wife over dowry demands.

The suspect, Md Sanaullah, currently serves in the EC’s law wing.

A former additional chief metropolitan magistrate, he was charged following an investigation into a case filed by his ex-wife, a Dhaka-based businesswoman.

Sub-Inspector Shahanaj Begum, the investigating officer, confirmed that the chargesheet was submitted to the court on Apr 30.

According to the investigation report, Sanaullah met the complainant in December 2024 when she sought legal assistance over a business transaction. The two developed a relationship and married on Sept 22 last year.

The complainant alleged that after their marriage, they moved into a rented flat in Banani, where she bore all household expenses.

Shortly after, Sanaullah reportedly began pressuring her for money, eventually demanding an expensive car and land as dowry.

The situation escalated on the evening of Nov 27 last year, when the complainant refused his demands. Sanaullah allegedly became enraged and physically assaulted her.

The case was initially filed with the Banani Police Station on Jan 13.