The Election Commission (EC) has issued show-cause notices to two prominent candidates of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for violating the electoral code of conduct ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the scheduled referendum.
The candidates are Nasiruddin Patwari, the NCP-nominated candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, and Nahid Islam, the party’s convener and candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency.
Violations in Dhaka-8
According to a press release issued on Sunday (January 18) by Sharof Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer, large colorful billboards featuring Nasiruddin Patwari were spotted in several key areas of the Dhaka-8 constituency.
The billboards reportedly displayed large images of the candidate alongside slogans such as “Member of Parliament Candidate” and “Say Yes to the Referendum.”
Violations in Dhaka-11
Similarly, the Returning Officer noted that Nahid Islam had erected several massive billboards across the Dhaka-11 constituency. These displays also featured large portraits and slogans urging voters to “Stand for ‘Yes’ in the National Reform Referendum.”
Breach of Electoral Code
The EC stated that both candidates violated Rule 18 of the Political Parties and Candidates Code of Conduct, 2025. Under this rule, no candidate or political party is permitted to begin election campaigning earlier than three weeks before the scheduled polling date.
The Commission categorized the early placement of billboards and the use of “Yes” slogans for the referendum as unauthorized pre-election campaigning.
Strict Directives and Deadlines
The Returning Officer’s office has issued the following directives to both Nasiruddin Patwari and Nahid Islam:
- Removal of Billboards: All unauthorized billboards and posters must be removed from their respective constituencies by 9:30 AM on Monday, January 19.
- Written Explanation: Both candidates (or their authorized representatives) must appear in person at the Returning Officer’s office by 11:00 AM on Monday to submit a written explanation as to why legal action should not be taken against them for these violations.
EC’s Strong Warning
The Election Commission has issued a stern warning to all political parties and candidates, emphasizing that it is maintaining a zero-tolerance policy regarding the code of conduct. The Commission reiterated that any form of unauthorized archways, billboards, or wall-writings ahead of the stipulated time is a punishable offense under the law.
