Bangladesh Muslim League candidate boycotts election in Khagrachari

Ahead of the voting for the 13th National Parliament elections, Bangladesh Muslim League candidate with the Hurricane symbol Md. Mustafa has announced to boycott the election in Khagrachari-298 parliamentary constituency.

In an announcement made around 9:30 pm on Wednesday (February 11), he alleged that the administration is playing a bias role.

Md. Mustafa said that there were concerns about the safety of him and his family members ever since he declared his candidacy. On February 8, he complained that no effective action was taken despite applying to the Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer for gunmen.

He also claimed that violations of the code of conduct have been taking place in Khagrachari ever since the election schedule was announced. He alleged that some influential candidates have used government officials and employees to campaign.

On February 8, he filed a written complaint with the Joint District and Sessions Judge (Judge in Charge) and the Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee. However, he alleged delay and bias in the trial process as the complaint was not resolved even after 48 hours. At the same time, he also questioned the speedy resolution of a subsequent complaint.

Mustafa claimed that the investigation process was affected because the names of Zilla Parishad members and officials were included in his complaint. He also alleged that some government primary school teachers were given responsibility as polling officers at various centers on election day despite openly campaigning for a specific candidate, which raised questions about the impartiality of the election.

He said that 189 centers in Khagrachhari district are risky and there is a risk of center capture and the results being affected. In this situation, he announced that he would approach the High Court and demanded a postponement of the election.

At the same time, he urged the leaders, workers and supporters of the Hurricane symbol not to go to the polling centers.