Nahid Islam, the National Citizens Party candidate for Dhaka-11, and Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwari, the party’s candidate for Dhaka-8, have been issued show-cause notices for allegedly violating the election code of conduct.
On Sunday (January 18), Returning Officer Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury sent them the notices.
Nahid Islam’s notice states that several large, colorful billboards featuring his image, the constituency name (Dhaka-11), and the slogan “Vote Yes for National Reform” have been displayed in prominent locations, which violates the election code of conduct for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
According to Rule 18 of the Election Code of Conduct 2025, no registered political party, nominated candidate, independent candidate, or any person on their behalf may begin election campaigning earlier than three weeks before the designated voting day.
The notice requests that all billboards be removed by 9:30 am on January 19. Additionally, both candidates are asked to appear in person or through a representative at the Returning Officer’s office by 11:00 am on the same day to submit a written explanation as to why legal action should not be taken against them for the violation.
A similar notice has been issued to Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwari, also instructing him to remove all billboards by 9:30 am on January 19.
