Presiding Officer withdrawn for early result sheet signing in Naogaon

The Election Commission has suspended the presiding officer of Katkhair High School polling centre in Naogaon Sadar Upazila following allegations that he signed and sealed the result sheet before vote counting commenced.

The incident came to light around 11:30am, prompting immediate action by Sadar Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Ibnul Abedin.

According to election regulations, the result sheet should only be completed and signed after counting is concluded in the presence of polling agents.

Nazim Uddin, the presiding officer and an Assistant Sub-Engineer at Naogaon Roads and Highways Department, admitted that he signed the sheet beforehand for convenience and time management.

However, officials emphasised that pre-count signatures constitute a breach of electoral protocol, necessitating his removal. A new presiding officer has been appointed to oversee the remainder of the polling process.

The election commission stated that the measure was taken to preserve the integrity and transparency of the voting process and to maintain public confidence in the electoral system.