‘Show-cause notice for Nahid Islam, silence from the EC over Tarique Rahman’: Nasiruddin Patwari

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has alleged that all candidates are not being treated equally by the Election Commission (EC). He said that while some candidates are being issued show-cause notices, the EC remains silent in cases involving influential leaders accused of similar breaches of the electoral code of conduct.

Nasiruddin Patwari made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to journalists at the Dhaka Returning Officer’s office after the allocation of electoral symbols. Citing an example, he said BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman had violated the electoral code of conduct by promising flats to residents of the Karail slum, yet no action had been taken by the Election Commission.

He said, “Yesterday, Tarique Rahman went to Karail slum and promised to provide flats, which is a direct violation of electoral laws and rules. Yet, a show-cause notice was issued in the case of Nahid Islam. This clearly indicates discrimination.”

Patwari further alleged that the administration and the Election Commission are not applying the same standards to all. “One rule for one side and another rule for the other—this does not create a fair environment for a credible election,” he said.

Candidates will begin official campaigning from Thursday following the allocation of electoral symbols for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, scheduled to be held on 12 February. Any campaigning conducted prior to this is considered a violation of the electoral code of conduct.

Nasiruddin Patwari, the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency with the Shapla Kali symbol, said his election campaign would focus on two key objectives. The first is ensuring justice for the killing of Osman Hadi, convenor of the Inqilab Manch. The second is building a “Insuf Dhaka-8” free from extortion, violence and illegal occupation.

He said that his official campaign would begin on Thursday with a visit to the grave of Osman Hadi. At the same time, he added, “We do not believe in muscle power or money-driven politics. After the mass uprising, we want to contest the election through a fair and transparent political process.”

Regarding the show-cause notice issued against him, Patwari said a banner had been put up in support of a ‘Yes’ campaign for a referendum, which did not display any electoral symbol. Despite this, he alleged, the Election Commission issued a show-cause notice against him. He further claimed that the banner was removed jointly by the city corporation, BNP activists and a magistrate.

Raising a question over the matter, he said, “If the administration and a political party work together, who will ensure a free and impartial election?”