Presiding officer, two assistants withdrawn at Chatmohar 

CHATMOHAR, PABNA, Feb 12: Three election officials, including the presiding officer of Pabna-3 (Chatmohar-Bhungura-Faridpur) constituency, were withdrawn on Thursday after a video of a secret late-night meeting with Jamaat leaders went viral.

The withdrawn presiding officer, Md Sujan Mahmud, in charge of Charikol High School polling centre in Haripur Union, was reportedly seen meeting several Jamaat leaders, including Awal, around 11:30 pm on Wednesday. Two assistant presiding officers were also withdrawn, though their names were not disclosed immediately.

The incident came to light among workers and supporters of other candidates, prompting widespread discussion and questions about the integrity of the process.

Upon receiving reports, Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Musa Naser Chowdhury informed the District Returning Officer Shahid Mostofa, who directed the withdrawal of Sujan Mahmud and the two assistants. Authorities emphasised maintaining transparency and preventing any undue influence in the ongoing election.