2 candidates face show-cause notices in Madaripur poll code violations

Two candidates have been issued show-cause notices for allegedly violating the election code of conduct in Madaripur district on Sunday, who were contesting the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee served separate notices on BNP candidate Jahandar Ali Jahan (sheaf of paddy) and independent candidate Milton Baidya (pitcher), asking them to appear before the committee on February 10 with written explanations.

According to official sources, the notices stem from a clash between supporters of the two candidates on February 4 in Kalibazar area of Bahadurpur union under Madaripur Sadar upazila.

Following the incident, Milton Baidya lodged a complaint with the inquiry committee on February 6.

After reviewing the complaint, a show cause notice was issued on February 8 under the signature of the committee's chairman, Civil Judge Arif Hossain.

The committee alleged that supporters of Jahandar Ali Jahan obstructed Baidya’s campaign in violation of Rule 6(a) of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2025, which guarantees equal campaign rights and prohibits intimidation or disruption of rivals’ activities.

Meanwhile, Baidya was show-caused separately for allegedly organising a motorised procession, which is barred under Rule 9(a) of the same code. He has been asked to explain why action should not be taken against him for the alleged breach.

Authorities said further steps would be taken after reviewing the candidates’ responses.

AHS/AM