Chaos erupts during EC hearing

Disorder and tension broke out at the Election Commission building during hearings for parliamentary election candidates on Saturday, November 17, amid disputes over nomination appeals.

The situation escalated during the appeal hearing concerning the validity of the nomination of Afroz Khanam, a valid candidate from the Manikganj-3 constituency, where questions over dual citizenship were raised.

While senior lawyers were presenting explanations, the hearing was adjourned for half an hour. After Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and other commissioners left the stage, lawyers and candidates began arguing with one another in front of the podium.

BNP candidate Abdul Awal Mintu from Feni-3 expressed anger during the incident, while tensions intensified when NCP candidate Hasnat Abdullah from Cumilla-4 became agitated. Law enforcement personnel intervened and brought the situation under control.

After the break, Hasnat Abdullah alleged that Mintu had used abusive language and attempted to use force. Another lawyer claimed that supporters of BNP candidate Fahim Chowdhury from a Kishoreganj constituency assaulted his client following a hearing on Friday, November 16.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud described the incident as undesirable and said he hoped such situations would not occur again.