The Bangladesh High Court has upheld a decision nullifying the candidacy of Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhary, a politician nominated by the Awami League. The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh had previously cancelled Chowdhary’s candidacy for the district of Chittagong-16, in response to allegations that Chowdhary had assaulted a journalist and threatened police.
The High Court Justices Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman and Md Bashir Ullah rejected a writ petition put forth by Chowdhary, suggesting that an appeal should instead be made to a tribunal before the EC. Chowdhary’s candidacy was invalidated at the last stage of voting, which transpired on January 7, following whispered threats against law enforcement.
While election proceedings were underway, Chowdhary reportedly threatened police officials, stating he would mutilate their hands if they proceeded with the arrest of his followers. His followers were, at the time, suspected of attempting to disrupt the polling process.
Chowdhary, a former parliamentary victor in both the 2014 and 2018 elections, stands accused of assaulting Rokib Uddin, a reporter for Independent TV. Witnesses allege that Uddin was also verbally abused during the incident. Chowdhary is claimed to have violated election laws, specifically articles 73 and 84A of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972. He surrendered to authorities on January 3, gaining bail on the premises of the aforementioned allegations and a potential violation of the 2008 Candidate’s election Code of Conduct.
Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, held on January 7, were characterized by widespread violence, arrests, and detentions. Despite nation-wide civil unrest, incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured her fifth term. The elections were boycotted by opposition parties, resulting in the verdict being denounced as a farce. Adding to the controversy, the United Nations expressed concerns about the conduct and atmosphere of the elections.
For more detail, see the full article at JURIST – News.