BNP's Naushad, NCP's Sarjis show-caused over electoral code violations in Panchagarh-1
They have been asked to explain within 24 hours why legal action should not be taken against them
Show-cause notices have been served on National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam and BNP candidate Naushad Zamir for alleged violations of the election code of conduct in Panchagarh-1 (Sadar–Tentulia–Atwari) constituency, reports Prothom Alo.
District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md Sayemuzzaman issued the notices separately today (24 January), asking both candidates to explain within 24 hours why legal action should not be taken against them.
In the notice served on Sarjis Alam, the returning officer said arches, billboards and banners were erected to welcome the head of the 10-party alliance at a rally held in Panchagarh on 23 January.
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The notice stated that under Rule 7(f) of the Election Code of Conduct 2025, a candidate nominated by a registered political party may only use campaign materials bearing the image of their own party chief. Displaying banners and billboards with images of other party leaders constitutes a violation of the rule.
The notice further alleged that Sarjis erected three arches in violation of Rule 13(a), which prohibits such structures, and continued campaigning on Facebook without submitting his social media ID to the returning officer, breaching Rule 16(a). He has been asked to submit a written explanation within 24 hours, failing which legal action may be taken.
The notice issued to BNP candidate Naushad Zamir cited multiple violations observed during a drive conducted on 23 January by the Sadar upazila assistant commissioner (land), police and municipal authorities to enforce the code of conduct.
According to the notice, two of the three arches erected by the 10-party alliance were removed for violating Rule 13. Festoons installed on electric poles and trees near the Karatoya Bridge, in breach of Rule 7(c), were also targeted for removal. The notice alleged that Naushad's supporters obstructed the operation and behaved disrespectfully towards officials.
It further said that while the permitted size of festoons is 18 inches by 24 inches, festoons measuring approximately six feet by three feet were installed, violating Rule 7(3). Despite being asked to remove them, the campaign failed to do so, and later removal efforts were obstructed by supporters.
The notice also accused Naushad of campaigning on social media without submitting his Facebook ID to the returning officer, in violation of Rule 16(a).
It further alleged that his supporters engaged in verbal altercations with the magistrate on duty, obstructed official work, and gathered unlawfully outside the returning officer's office late at night, threatening to tear down a government referendum campaign banner – actions deemed violations of Rule 15(c).
Naushad has been asked to submit a written explanation within 24 hours on why legal action should not be taken for violating Rules 7(c), 7(3), 13, 15(c) and 16(a). The notice warned that failure to respond within the stipulated time would result in action under the law.
According to Prothom Alo, attempts to reach Sarjis Alam by phone and WhatsApp for comment were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Naufel Zamir, election agent and younger brother of BNP candidate Naushad Zamir, said they had received the notice and were preparing a response within the given timeframe.
