TDS Desk:

Two candidates contesting the Panchagarh-1 constituency have been served separate show-cause notices over alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for 12 February.

Panchagarh District Administrator and Returning Officer Kazi Md Sayemuzzaman confirmed the issuance of the notices to journalists on Saturday afternoon.

The candidates are National Citizen Party (NCP) northern region chief organiser and 10-party alliance nominee Sarjis Alam, and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) nominee Barrister Muhammad Naoshad Zamir, who is also BNP Executive Committee international affairs secretary.

According to the show-cause notice, Sarjis Alam allegedly violated the Electoral Code of Conduct 2025 during a public rally held on 23 January by setting up arches, billboards and banners to welcome the chief of his electoral alliance.

The notice said Rule 7(c) allows a nominated candidate of a registered political party to use only the image and campaign materials of his own party chief, and that using images of other party leaders constitutes a clear violation.

It also alleged that three arches were constructed in defiance of the returning officer’s directive, violating Rule 13(a), and that election campaigning was carried out on Facebook without submitting the social media ID to the returning officer, breaching Rule 16(a).

In a separate notice, BNP candidate Naoshad Zamir was accused of multiple violations detected during drives conducted from the afternoon of 23 January in Panchagarh municipality with assistance from the administration, police and municipality.

The notice said that although two of three arches built by the 10-party alliance were removed, Zamir’s supporters obstructed officials and behaved discourteously during the removal of festoons installed in violation of the code on both sides of Karatoya Bridge.

It also alleged the use of festoons measuring about six feet by three feet instead of the approved 18-inch by 24-inch size.

Further allegations include campaigning without submitting a Facebook ID, arguing with a duty magistrate, illegal late-night gathering in front of the district administration office, and threatening to tear government referendum campaign banners.

These actions were cited as violations of Rules 7(g), 7(6), 13, 15(g) and 16(a) of the electoral code of conduct.

Both candidates have been directed to submit written explanations in person or through representatives within 24 hours, failing which legal action will be taken, the notices warned.

Returning Officer Kazi Md Sayemuzzaman said both candidates had breached the electoral code and were asked to respond within the stipulated time through the show-cause notices.

No comments were available from either candidate at the time of filing this report.