Nahid, Patwary show-caused for early ‘Yes’ campaigning

Returning officer cites breach of election code ahead of official campaign period

Returning officers have issued show-cause notices to National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam and Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary for campaigning in favour of a “Yes” vote in the referendum before the official campaign period began.

Nahid is contesting from Dhaka-11 and Nasiruddin from Dhaka-8 as candidates of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance.

Separate notices were served on Sunday, asking them to submit written explanations in person or through representatives by Monday over alleged violations of the election code of conduct.

Senior district election officer Fazlur Rahman said a similar show-cause notice was also issued to Labour Party Candidate Mostafizur Rahman in Dhaka-12.

The notices were issued by returning officer and Dhaka divisional commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury.

According to the notice sent to Nahid, large colour billboards bearing his image and the slogan “Stand in favour of ‘Yes’ in the referendum for state reform” were found at several key locations in the Dhaka-11 constituency, which violates the parliamentary election code of conduct.

Under election rules, no party or independent candidate, or anyone campaigning on their behalf, is allowed to begin electioneering before the stipulated three-week period ahead of polling day.