150 and counting: Show-cause notices surge as polls code violations on  | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Saturday
June 21, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025
150 and counting: Show-cause notices surge as polls code violations on 

Politics

Foisal Ahmed
19 December, 2023, 10:10 pm
Last modified: 20 December, 2023, 03:25 pm

Related News

  • When digital services cannot become fully digital
  • From file to field: Why policy execution fails
  • Mango business vibrates local economy in Rajshahi region post-Eid
  • Bangladesh calls for separate South Asia-China platform to tackle climate risks
  • DSE serves query to Lovello over unusual share price hike

150 and counting: Show-cause notices surge as polls code violations on 

An official from the EC's department concerned disclosed that the tally of show-cause notices stood at 110 nationwide just 10-12 days ago. 

Foisal Ahmed
19 December, 2023, 10:10 pm
Last modified: 20 December, 2023, 03:25 pm
Logo of Election Commission. Photo: Collected
Logo of Election Commission. Photo: Collected

The number of show-cause notices has spiked to around 150 within a mere one and a half weeks, with candidates, notably from the ruling party, consistently violating the electoral code of conduct, according to the Election Commission (EC).

An official from the EC's department concerned disclosed that the tally of show-cause notices stood at 110 nationwide just 10-12 days ago. 

The numbers have been rapidly escalating, with the current count reaching around 150. A majority of these infractions are reportedly associated with candidates affiliated with the ruling party, the EC official added.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Controversy surrounds the perceived leniency of the EC in taking decisive action against violators, contributing to the unabated trend of rule-breaking. 

In response to these concerns, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Md Ahsan Habib emphasised that initial warnings are issued to first-time offenders as a preventive measure.

"We warn those who have broken the code of conduct for the first time, so that they do not commit this crime again. We think this is enough for a candidate for a parliament member," said the election commissioner. 

However, he underscored that repeated violations would lead to strict actions, including the cancellation of candidature.

As of 17 December, election investigation committees have submitted 33 reports to the EC, prompting various actions. Among the 33 candidates involved, 22 received warnings, seven faced legal actions, and no actions could be taken against four individuals with existing legal cases.

EC Joint Secretary (Law) Mahbuber Rahman Sarker clarified that the warnings align with the law, serving as a preventive measure for first-time offenders. He added that more severe actions would be taken for repeated violations, potentially resulting in the loss of candidacy.

The EC took legal actions against seven individuals, including government officials and law enforcers, by transferring and suspending them from their positions, according to Mahbuber Rahman. No actions were feasible against the four candidates with ongoing legal cases.

Despite these measures, candidates from the ruling party persist in violating the electoral code of conduct. 

Notable instances include traffic disruptions caused by Awami League candidate Mainul Hossain Khan (Nikhil) during his campaign in the Dhaka-14 constituency.

Further, on Tuesday, Awami League candidate Mohammed Sayeed Khokon drew attention by joining a Victory Parade on an elephant, leading to traffic congestion in the capital. 

The EC has also issued a warning to independent candidate Talukdar Md Touhid Zong Murad for violating the code of conduct during the inauguration of his election office in Savar.

Allegations of vandalism and attacks on the election offices of independent candidate Amanur Rahman Khan Rana in Tangail have added to the concerns. 

The EC is actively investigating these incidents, with a commission meeting scheduled for 21 December to address the growing violations.

Bangladesh / Top News

Election Commission (EC) / Bangladesh / show cause

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Dhaka Medical College students demonstrate over five demands in front of the institution's main gate in Dhaka on 21 June 2025. Photo: Courtesy
    Dhaka Medical College closed indefinitely amid protests over accommodation, students ordered to vacate halls
  • A missile launched from Iran is intercepted as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, June 21, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Amir Cohen
    Israel attacks Isfahan nuclear facility, says it killed Quds Palestinian Corps commander as Iran fires more missiles
  • Prof Anu Muhammad. Sketch: TBS
    Anu Muhammad questions CA Yunus’s role in Ctg Port’s container terminal lease push

MOST VIEWED

  • Collage of the two Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) students -- Swagata Das Partha (left) and Shanto Tara Adnan (right) -- who have been arrested over raping a classmate after rendering her unconscious and filming nude videos. Photos: Collected
    2 SUST students held for allegedly rendering female classmate unconscious, raping her, filming nude videos
  • BUET Professor Md Ehsan stands beside his newly designed autorickshaw—just 3.2 metres long and 1.5 metres wide—built for two passengers to ensure greater stability and prevent tipping. With a safety-focused top speed of 30 km/h, the vehicle can be produced at an estimated cost of Tk1.5 lakh. Photo: Junayet Rashel
    Buet’s smart fix for Dhaka's autorickshaws
  • File photo of containers at Chattogram port/TBS
    3-month interim extension sought for Saif Powertec to operate Ctg port terminal
  • Photo: Collected
    All BTS members officially complete military service as Suga gets discharged
  • 6 govt officials, including 5 secretaries, sent on forced retirement
    6 govt officials, including 5 secretaries, sent on forced retirement
  • Study finds alarming mercury levels in popular skin creams sold in Bangladesh
    Study finds alarming mercury levels in popular skin creams sold in Bangladesh

Related News

  • When digital services cannot become fully digital
  • From file to field: Why policy execution fails
  • Mango business vibrates local economy in Rajshahi region post-Eid
  • Bangladesh calls for separate South Asia-China platform to tackle climate risks
  • DSE serves query to Lovello over unusual share price hike

Features

Airmen look at a GBU-57, or Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, US in 2023. Photo: Collected

Is the US preparing for direct military action in Iran?

5h | Panorama
Monsoon in Bandarban’s hilly hiking trails means endless adventure — something hundreds of Bangladeshi hikers eagerly await each year. But the risks are sometimes not worth the reward. Photo: Collected

Tragedy on the trail: The deadly cost of unregulated adventure tourism in Bangladesh’s hills

20h | Panorama
BUET Professor Md Ehsan stands beside his newly designed autorickshaw—just 3.2 metres long and 1.5 metres wide—built for two passengers to ensure greater stability and prevent tipping. With a safety-focused top speed of 30 km/h, the vehicle can be produced at an estimated cost of Tk1.5 lakh. Photo: Junayet Rashel

Buet’s smart fix for Dhaka's autorickshaws

1d | Features
Evacuation of Bangladeshis: Where do they go next from conflict-ridden Iran?

Evacuation of Bangladeshis: Where do they go next from conflict-ridden Iran?

2d | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

Netanyahu using Iran war to stay in power 'forever':  Clinton

Netanyahu using Iran war to stay in power 'forever': Clinton

1h | TBS Stories
No matter how independent EC is, elections impossible without govt cooperation: CEC

No matter how independent EC is, elections impossible without govt cooperation: CEC

45m | TBS Today
Chaos has reduced after Dr. Yunus' meeting with Tarique Rahman: Dr. Zahid

Chaos has reduced after Dr. Yunus' meeting with Tarique Rahman: Dr. Zahid

55m | TBS Today
Students block road at Notun Bazar in protest against expulsion of 26 UIU students

Students block road at Notun Bazar in protest against expulsion of 26 UIU students

1h | TBS Today
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net