Sherpur-3 Jamaat candidate Badol dies; election postponed
According to Section 17(1) of the RPO, if a validly nominated candidate, who has not withdrawn their candidature, dies before the polling day, the respective returning officer must terminate all proceedings relating to that specific election.
Nuruzzaman Badol, a nominated candidate from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has passed away. Following the death, the Election Commission (EC) has stayed the election in the Sherpur-3 (Shribordi-Jhenaigati) constituency.
Badol, who was also the general secretary of the party's Sherpur district unit, passed away in the early hours of today (4 February) at the age of 51.
The EC Secretariat confirmed the postponement citing the legal requirements under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972.
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According to Section 17(1) of the RPO, if a validly nominated candidate, who has not withdrawn their candidature, dies before the polling day, the respective returning officer must terminate all proceedings relating to that specific election.
Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat, Akhtar Ahmed, informed the media that once the death of a "valid candidate" is confirmed, the relevant returning officer issues a public notice cancelling the electoral activities.
A fresh schedule for the Sherpur-3 seat is expected to be announced by the commission in due course as the 13th national election is slated for 12 February.
Family and party sources said Nuruzzaman Badol fell critically ill around 10pm yesterday (3 February) after experiencing renal complications.
He was initially rushed to the Shribordi Upazila Health Complex. As his condition deteriorated, doctors advised moving him to a specialised facility in Mymensingh, reports BSS.
However, Badol breathed his last around 3am today while being taken to the hospital, near the entrance to Mymensingh city.
He was later taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where on-duty doctors officially declared him dead.
Badol's first Namaz-e-Janaza was scheduled to be held at the Sherpur Poura Eidgah ground, followed by a second prayer at the Shribordi Upazila College ground before his burial.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed deep shock at Badol's passing, praising his "unwavering commitment" to his political ideology.
He noted that Badol had remained steadfast in his campaign despite recently witnessing the tragic death of a colleague, Rezaul Karim, in political violence.
"Despite facing adverse and challenging situations, he did not lose morale and continued his electoral activities," the party chief stated.
