CPB General Secretary Kafi knocked off Cumilla-5 ballot over signature mismatch

He says the rejection was triggered by a discrepancy in the Election Commission’s records of CPB’s leadership

Abdullah Al Kafi, general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), may no longer appear on ballot papers over what he calls an administrative mix-up.

Cumilla Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan ruled Kafi’s nomination invalid on Friday during scrutiny of papers for the Cumilla-5 (Burichang-Brahmanpara) constituency.

Kafi told reporters the rejection was triggered by a discrepancy in the Election Commission’s records of CPB’s leadership.

“A few days ago, our new party committee elected a president and a general secretary through a congress, and we informed the Election Commission. But the commission did not update the information,” he said.

He said his nomination was filed using a form signed by CPB President Kazi Sajjad Jahir Chandan, but the commission’s database still lists a different authorised signatory.

“Because the updated committee details were not reflected in the commission’s records, my nomination has been rejected due to the president’s signature,” Kafi said.

The CPB candidate, who is contesting with the "sickle" symbol, said no other irregularities were found in his papers.

“I will approach the Election Commission again [Saturday] seeking a resolution, even though the error is on their part,” he said.

Returning officer Reza said the nomination was rejected because the paper did not carry the signature of the person recognised by the Election Commission as authorised to nominate CPB candidates.

“As the authorised signatory listed by the Election Commission was not reflected in the nomination papers, the nomination has been deemed invalid during scrutiny,” he said.

He added that Kafi could appeal within the timeframe set out in election law.