Claims circulating on social media suggesting that Jubairul Arif, the 11-party alliance candidate for the Chattogram-8 constituency, has stepped down to support Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Abu Naser are false.
Recent Facebook posts alleged a “message of unity” in Chattogram-8, claiming that the NCP candidate had withdrawn to ensure a competitive election. However, a fact-check by The Dissent has confirmed that these reports are baseless.
Direct Denial from the Candidate
Speaking to the media via telephone, Jubairul Arif dismissed the rumors as “fake news,” stating:
“I have not stepped down. Fake news is being spread on Facebook. No such decision has been made.”
The Context of the Confusion
The rumors appear to stem from a strategic move by the 11-party alliance. The National Civilian Party (NCP) was reportedly allocated the Chattogram-8 seat as part of an electoral agreement.
On January 23, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) requesting the removal of the ‘Scale’ (Dhaka-Palla) symbol from the ballot papers for Chattogram-8 and Narsingdi-2. The letter explained that while the alliance intended to leave these seats for NCP candidates—including Jobairul Arif in Chattogram-8—the Jamaat candidates had failed to withdraw their nomination papers before the official deadline.
Election Commission’s Stance
Despite the formal request from Jamaat-e-Islami to clear the way for the alliance partners, the Election Commission (EC) has rejected the application. The EC clarified that once symbols have been officially allocated, there is no legal provision for withdrawal or the removal of a symbol from the ballot.
Consequently, both candidates remain in the race, and the claims of a formal withdrawal are incorrect.
