Seven Election Officials Removed Over Misconduct

On the eve of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, authorities in Sylhet, Lakhimpur, Khagrachhari, Sirajganj, and Faridpur took decisive action against seven election officials following multiple allegations of misconduct. According to police and local administration sources, the complaints primarily involved officials being absent from polling stations, holding meetings with political party leaders, and interfering with the voting process.

Sylhet:
In Sylhet’s Jaintapur Upazila, at approximately 12:30 a.m., polling agent Anwar Hossain was apprehended by local BNP supporters and residents in Bhitrikhel East village. He had been assigned to Bhitrikhel North Government Primary School but was found attending a gathering at the residence of a Jamaat leader. Consequently, Anwar was withdrawn from his duties immediately.

Lakhimpur:
At the Noldugi Madinatul Ulum Islamia Madrasa polling centre in Lakhimpur-3 constituency, Assistant Presiding Officer M. A. Osmani and polling agent Md. Iqbal Hossain were detained after being accused of visiting a Jamaat leader’s house adjacent to the polling station for a meal. Following directives from the district administration, police took them into custody at Chandragonj Police Station.

Khagrachhari:
At Amtali High School in Matiranga Upazila, Assistant Presiding Officer Mahmudul Hasan faced allegations of holding a meeting with Jamaat leaders. Amid public pressure and oversight from law enforcement agencies, he was removed from his post.

Sirajganj:
The presiding officer at Koyra Government Primary School in Brahmagacha Union, Raiganj Upazila, was relieved of his duties due to violations of electoral conduct. Four other individuals involved in the incident were fined 50,000 Taka each.

Faridpur:
In Faridpur-1 and Faridpur-3 constituencies, presiding officers were withdrawn from their posts for engaging with Jamaat leaders. They were replaced by Sohanur Rahman and Pabitra Kumar Das.

The table below summarises the officials removed, their alleged misconduct, and replacements where applicable:

District administrations and law enforcement have emphasised a zero-tolerance approach to irregularities, aiming to preserve the transparency and integrity of the election. Officials stressed that, provided no artificial disruptions occur, the election results will be respected regardless of the outcome.