In the lead-up to the 13th national parliamentary election, seven electoral officials across Sylhet, Lakshmipur, Khagrachhari, Sirajganj, and Faridpur have been removed from their posts for breaches of electoral discipline. According to police and local administrative sources, the principal allegations against the officials included absence from polling stations, meetings with political party leaders, and interference in voting procedures.
Sylhet:
In Sylhet’s Jaintapur upazila, at Bhitrikhel East village, polling agent Anowar Hossain was detained by local BNP supporters and residents at 12:30 a.m. He had been assigned to Bhitrikhel North Government Primary School but was found attending a meeting at the residence of a Jamaat leader, resulting in his immediate dismissal.
Lakshmipur:
At the Noldugi Madinatul Ulum Islamia Madrasa polling station in Lakshmipur-3 constituency, assistant presiding officer M. A. Osmani and polling agent Md. Iqbal Hossain were apprehended for visiting a Jamaat leader’s house near the polling centre to take refreshments. Following the district administration’s directive, police placed them in Chandraganj police custody.
Khagrachhari:
At Angtali High School in Matiranga upazila, assistant presiding officer Mahmudul Hasan faced allegations of attending a meeting with Jamaat leaders. Observations by local administration and law enforcement led to his immediate removal from duty.
Sirajganj:
The presiding officer at Koira Government Primary School in Brahmagacha union was dismissed for violating electoral conduct rules. Additionally, four individuals involved were fined BDT 50,000 each.
Faridpur:
In Faridpur-1 and Faridpur-3 constituencies, presiding officers were dismissed for meeting with Jamaat leaders. Their replacements are Sohanur Rahman and Pabitra Kumar Das.
The following table summarises the officials removed, their polling stations, alleged offences, and replacements:
| District | Polling Station / Unit | Official & Position | Nature of Allegation | Replacement Official |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sylhet | Bhitrikhel North Govt. Primary School | Anowar Hossain, Polling Agent | Absence & political meeting | – |
| Lakshmipur | Noldugi Madinatul Ulum Islamia Madrasa | M. A. Osmani, Assistant Presiding | Meeting near polling centre | – |
| Khagrachhari | Angtali High School | Mahmudul Hasan, Assistant Presiding | Meeting with Jamaat leaders | – |
| Sirajganj | Koira Govt. Primary School | Abul Khayer Sheikh, Presiding Officer | Breach of electoral conduct | – |
| Faridpur | Hitoishi High School & Ashapur Senior Madrasa | Md. Al Amin, Zahidul Islam | Meeting with Jamaat leaders | Sohanur Rahman, Pabitra Kumar Das |
District administrations and law enforcement authorities have emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards electoral malpractice. Officials asserted that, provided no artificial obstruction occurs, the election results will be legally recognised and the electorate’s rights fully protected.