7.2 Lakh Taka Seized from Jamaat Election Office in Shariatpur

In a significant pre-election crackdown, a joint task force in Shariatpur’s Naria municipality has recovered 7.2 lakh taka from an election office operated by Jamaat-e-Islami. During the operation, a polling officer, responsible for overseeing voter proceedings, was handed a two-year prison sentence.

The summary trial was conducted on Wednesday evening by Judicial Magistrate Sujon Mia, representing the Election Investigation and Adjudication Committee. Following the verdict, the convicted official was taken into custody by Naria police.

The convicted polling officer, Golam Mostofa, serves as an assistant teacher at Haji Syed Ahmad Government Primary School and had been appointed to oversee polling at Panchpalli High School centre. He failed to provide a legitimate explanation for his presence at the Jamaat office during the raid, prompting legal action.

Naria Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land), Laki Das, told Prothom Alo, “Based on credible reports that Jamaat operatives were distributing money for election purposes, the joint forces conducted a raid. During the operation, lists detailing cash distribution, a laptop, and a hard disk were seized along with the money.”

Local sources from both Jamaat and BNP confirmed that the election office, located in a rented house in South Boishakhipara, Ward 1, was run by Jamaat candidate Mahmud Hossain for his election campaign in Shariatpur-2. At the time of the raid, several party workers were present.

Shariatpur-2 Constituency features eight candidates, including Jamaat’s Mahmud Hossain and BNP’s Safiqur Rahman.

According to Masud Kabir, head of Mahmud Hossain’s media cell, “The funds were meant to cover travel and meal expenses for our workers at 136 polling stations. The operation by local authorities was intentional and targeted, while complaints about BNP candidates allegedly distributing cash illegally in other unions were ignored. This unfair action has tarnished our reputation.”

In response, BNP candidate Safiqur Rahman held a press conference at Naria BNP office, stating, “There are attempts to influence voters with cash. Local administration must act strictly to prevent such tactics. Intimidation and bribery should not determine voter choice.”

Seized Items and Conviction Summary