The Election Commission (EC) has officially announced the cancellation of the 13th National Parliament election schedule for the Sherpur-3 constituency, which comprises the upazilas of Sreebardi and Jhenaigati. The decision follows the untimely death of Mohammad Nuruzzaman (Badal), the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the seat. The commission stated that a new date and schedule for the election in Sherpur-3 will be announced in due course.

Nuruzzaman, who served as the secretary of the Sherpur district unit of Jamaat-e-Islami, had been battling chronic kidney disease for several years. He passed away while undergoing hospital treatment on Tuesday, 3 February, at 3:00 a.m. The party confirmed his death through a post on its verified Facebook page at 3:24 a.m.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud explained that under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the death of a candidate automatically renders the election for the relevant constituency void. “The election schedule for Sherpur-3 will be determined and communicated to the public promptly,” he said. “Voters in this constituency will not lose their right to vote, and adequate preparations will be made before the rescheduled election.”

Key details of the constituency, candidate, and the EC’s decision are summarised in the table below:

The announcement initially caused concern among voters in Sherpur-3, but the Election Commission reassured them that all preparations will be completed before the rescheduled election. Political analysts have suggested that the sudden death of a candidate could influence electoral dynamics and may necessitate a strategic recalibration by the party.

Through this decisive action, the Election Commission emphasises its commitment to electoral transparency and the principles of representative democracy. Voters in Sherpur-3 are advised to await the official announcement of the new schedule to make necessary preparations for casting their ballots.