Independent candidate Barrister Rumin Farhana of the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency (Sarail–Ashuganj–two unions of Bijoynagar) has accused the administration of bias and questioned whether a level playing field exists in the election.
Speaking to journalists at the Brahmanbaria Press Club on Monday (January 19), she said her remarks had been deliberately misrepresented. She denied showing an obscene gesture, explaining that she only used hand movements while describing an incident involving the Ashuganj BNP general secretary.
Rumin Farhana alleged that she is being punished repeatedly for a single alleged offence—first through a mobile court, then a show-cause notice, and finally an investigation committee—raising doubts about holding an election under what she described as a biased administration.
She also complained that rival candidates were openly holding gatherings in the name of condolence meetings, using microphones, slaughtering cattle, and making offensive remarks against her without facing any action. She said the returning officer could not provide information on fines imposed on others.
Regarding the show-cause notice, she said she learned about it through Facebook and that her lawyer would respond in due time, adding that such notices cannot be issued before the official start of campaign activities under election rules.
Meanwhile, the administration has accused Rumin Farhana of creating a “mob.” In a letter signed by Assistant Returning Officer and Sarail UNO Md Abu Bakar Sarkar, it was alleged that she organised a large gathering by constructing a pandal in Islamabad village, violating the election code of conduct. The gathering was later dispersed by the administration, and a mobile court fined a man named Jewel Mia Tk 40,000.
The letter further alleged that during the mobile court operation, Rumin Farhana behaved aggressively toward the executive magistrate, made threatening gestures, and that her associates acted violently, obstructing judicial duties. A video link circulating on social media was cited in support of the allegations.
In a separate notice, the returning officer stated that she held a public meeting with 400–500 people, built a large stage, and delivered political speeches in violation of the code of conduct, and behaved rudely and threateningly when ordered to stop.
Earlier, at a meeting in Kalikachh on Sunday, Rumin Farhana urged the administration, police, Election Commission, and the government to act impartially, warning that a lack of neutrality could lead to unrest similar to the events of August 5.
