Nahid Islam, Nasiruddin Patwari skip show-cause reply deadline

The National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam and Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari failed to respond within the stipulated time to show-cause notices issued over alleged violations of the election code of conduct, officials at the returning officer’s office said on Monday (January 19).

The officials said the two leaders were instructed to appear in person or submit written explanations by 11:00am on January 19. However, neither appeared nor submitted any written response within the deadline.

Assistant returning officers of the concerned constituencies also confirmed the matter.

Earlier, on Sunday (January 18), Returning Officer and Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury issued separate show-cause notices, directing both leaders to remove all billboards in the city by 9:30am on Monday and explain by 11:00am why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.

The NCP rejected the allegations. Party Election Media Sub-committee chief Mahbub Alam said the notices were issued in violation of existing rules and procedures.

In a statement, the party said the banners in question carried the message “Vote Yes for State Reform,” which it claimed did not amount to electioneering in favor of Nahid Islam, Nasiruddin Patwari, or the party symbol “Shapla Koli.”

The party maintained that the banners were part of a referendum campaign and did not breach any election regulations, arguing that no violation of the election code of conduct had occurred.