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In the upcoming Natore Sadar Upazila Parishad election, the chairman candidate Md. was accused of violating the election code of conduct, including asking for votes for specific symbols before the allocation of symbols. Riazul Islam Masum has been mourned.
This condolence notice was issued in a letter signed by the Returning Officer and District Election Officer Abdul Latif Sheikh on Friday (April 19).
Mentioning the name of Riazul Islam in the condolence notice, it is said that you requested prayers, cooperation and votes from the Muslims and residents who came to the Islami Jalsa and Tafsirul Qur'an Mahfil organized by Gokulnagar Junior Bandhu Mahal Club and Gokulnagar Youth Community on April 18 and before allotment of symbols from your Facebook ID. Asking for votes in Duat pen brand.
Besides, today (Friday) Dighapatia Union asked for prayers, cooperation and votes from the worshipers and residents present at West Haguria Jame Masjid. Which is a violation of Upazila Parishad election code of conduct. In such circumstances, you are requested to appear in person at the office of the undersigned at 3:30 PM on 21st April to explain why legal action will not be taken against you.
When asked about this, upazila chairman candidate Riazul Islam said, 'I have received the letter. I did not know that election campaigning cannot be done in Islamic Jalsa or religious institutions. I knew that according to the new rules, more than 5-7 people cannot be campaigned together.'
Regarding asking for votes for specific symbols before allotment of symbols, he said, 'It is untrue to ask for votes for specific symbols. When many people asked about the symbol, they said that I have given the first choice of Duaat Kalam. It may or may not be.'
Incidentally, the returning officer has declared valid the nomination papers of 6 candidates in Sadar Upazila Parishad elections after the selection of nomination papers of the first phase.
The valid candidates are – District Awami League General Secretary and current Upazila Parishad Chairman Shariful Islam Ramzan, Sadar Upazila Awami League President Anwar Hossain Anu, District Chhatra League former president Riazul Islam, Md. Mostarul Islam Alam, Jamil Hossain Milan and Md. Istyaq Ahmed Hira.
According to the schedule, appeals against the returning officer's decision can be made on April 18-20. Appeals will be disposed of on April 21, last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 22. Campaign will start next day after allotment of symbols. And in the first phase, voting will be held in 150 upazilas on May 8.
