BNP files complaint against Sylhet-1 OC over bias ahead of polls

The local BNP has lodged a formal complaint against Shah Mubashshir Ali, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police’s Bimanbandar (Airport) Thana, alleging biased conduct ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election in Sylhet-1 (City-Sadar).

On Sunday (February 8), the written complaint was submitted to the Sylhet Returning Officer, Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury, with copies sent to the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission Secretary.

Rezaul Hasan Qoyes Lodi, chief election agent of BNP candidate Khondokar Abdul Muktadir and acting president of Sylhet Metropolitan BNP, said the OC has been harassing BNP workers and obstructing campaign activities, while seemingly favouring a rival candidate.

The complaint also raised concerns about the security and neutrality of polling centres under the officer’s jurisdiction ahead of the February 12 election.

Lodi said, “We filed the complaint to ensure a peaceful and fair election. The alleged bias and harassment by the OC are unacceptable, and we are seeking corrective action.”

Other candidates in Sylhet-1 include representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, Gonodhikar Parishad, CPB, BASAD, BASAD (Marxist), and Insaniyat Biplob Bangladesh.