Rajshahi-3: Police yet to record case over assault on independent female candidate

Police have yet to record a case over the alleged public assault of independent candidate Habiba Begum by a local BNP leader in the Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur) constituency, despite a formal complaint being filed.

Habiba's chief election agent, Akbar Hossain, said that he submitted a written complaint to Katakhali Police Station last night. However, as of this evening, the complaint had not been registered as a formal case, he said.

Contacted for comment, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Suman Kaderi of Katakhali Police Station said he had been unable to visit the police station earlier due to election duty.

"Many of you have been calling, so I checked. I found that a complaint was filed regarding the assault on the candidate. However, no case has been registered yet. We will take legal action in accordance with the law," he said.

Independent female candidate assaulted outside Rajshahi polling centre

According to Habiba Begum, she was slapped and physically assaulted around 3pm yesterday during voting at NalKhola Government Primary School polling centre in Paba upazila. She alleged that a local BNP leader carried out the attack in front of the polling centre.

Following the assault, Habiba reported experiencing hearing difficulties and pain in her ear, throat and head. She was admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital and was discharged this afternoon. She has since returned to her village home.

Habiba said complaints had also been submitted to the returning officer's office, but no action had been taken so far.

Rajshahi's Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner, Afia Akhter, yesterday told the media that she had seen video footage of the incident.

She said that if the candidate wished, she could file a complaint with a judicial magistrate, which could lead to summary proceedings.