The leaders and activists of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jatiya Party have engaged in a scuffle at Rangpur DC office conference room, during the scrutiny of nomination papers ahead of February election.
At that time, NCP leader Akhter Hossain demanded that JaPa be declared ineligible for the polls. Jatiya Party’s candidate Abu Naser Shah Md Mahbubur Rahman claimed the party had played a role in the July uprising.
At 4pm Friday, the returning officer at Rangpur DC office conference room declared valid the nomination paper of the JaPa candidate Mahbubur. Jatiya Party leaders and activists applauded at the announcement.
NCP leaders and activists present there protested, which started a commotion between the two sides.
Earlier in the day, during the scrutiny of the JaPa candidate Mahbubur’s nomination, NCP’s Metropolitan Organisational Secretary Almagir Nayan addressed the returning officers, saying, “There is a case against him regarding the July revolution.
“Those who are accomplices of fascism should be declared ineligible for the election.”
The returning officer said, “According to the rules here, law enforcement agencies will give their opinion on this matter.”
Then the NCP candidate present there, and the party Member Secretary Akhter Hossain also raised the same allegation, saying, “We are lodging our objection against this candidate of the JaPa with you.”
Afterwards, when the returning officer declared the Jatiya Party candidate’s nomination valid, tension arose between the two sides.
At this time, the returning officer said, “None of you should violate the electoral Code of Conduct.” Before he could finish speaking, Akhter Hossain objected again and left the hall room with his supporters.
Later, Akhter alleged that by using legal loopholes, JaPa is getting the opportunity to participate in the election, which is a way of rehabilitating the Awami League.
He also mentioned that the NCP has formed an alliance with Jamaat on three issues. The matter of seat-sharing has not been resolved yet. It will be settled very soon.
Regarding this, JaPa candidate Mahbubur said, ‘Many cases have been filed. Even the Chief Adviser knows about that. Law enforcement agencies have given the correct decision. The JaPa participated in the July ’24 revolution. It will be proven on the electoral battlefield.”
In the Rangpur-4 constituency, the nominations of seven candidates, including Akhter Hossain, were declared valid, and three were cancelled.
In the Rangpur-3 constituency, the returning officer declared the nominations of seven candidates, including GM Quader, valid, and three were cancelled.
