Allegations of violations of the electoral code of conduct are increasing day by day in the Kurigram-4 constituency. Despite restrictions on election campaigning following the announcement of the election schedule, several candidates and political leaders have been seen openly engaging in public outreach and campaign activities. On Monday and Tuesday, such activities were carried out in different areas, alongside promotional activities on social media platforms.

Earlier, allegations of violating the electoral code of conduct were raised against Rajibpur Upazila BNP Convener Professor Mokhlesur Rahman. In this regard, on Tuesday, Omar Faruk, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Sadar Union, submitted a written complaint to the Upazila administration and the concerned election officials.

According to the complaint, even after the announcement of the election schedule, Professor Mokhlesur Rahman has been holding meetings, conducting public outreach, and delivering political speeches without permission at various markets, road intersections, and public gathering spots in Rajibpur Upazila. These activities are allegedly influencing voters and disrupting the electoral environment.

The Electoral Code of Conduct 2008, under Sections 5(a) and 5(b), states that no meetings or assemblies may be held without permission after the announcement of the election schedule, and no activities may be carried out that could influence voters. Omar Faruk alleged that the BNP Upazila Convener is openly violating electoral rules by continuing political activities, raising concerns about the possibility of a free, fair, and peaceful election in the upazila. He demanded that the matter be taken seriously and appropriate legal action be initiated following an investigation.

Attempts were made several times to contact Professor Mokhlesur Rahman via WhatsApp to obtain his comments, but he could not be reached.

Meanwhile, in Roumari Upazila, Mamataz Hossain Lipi, Central Women’s Wing Cultural Affairs Secretary of the BNP, allegedly conducted public outreach and processions in support of the BNP candidate in violation of electoral rules. On Tuesday afternoon, she carried out door-to-door and market outreach, while also broadcasting the activities live from her Facebook account.

On the other hand, allegations have been made that Jatiya Party candidate A K M Fazlul Haque Mondol conducted public outreach and sought votes in various areas of Rajibpur Upazila on Tuesday afternoon. Denying the allegations, he stated that he was only visiting party leaders and activists as a courtesy call and did not engage in any election campaigning.

Additionally, Rajib Ahmed, a parliamentary candidate nominated by the Marxist Bashad, has been accused of violating the electoral code of conduct by carrying out campaign activities. On Tuesday afternoon, he reportedly held courtyard meetings and small gatherings in different areas of Jadur Char Union under Roumari Upazila. Attempts to contact him by mobile phone for comments were unsuccessful.

Regarding these issues, Kurigram District Returning Officer Annapurna Debnath stated that instructions have been given to the Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO) and Assistant Commissioners (Land) to investigate the allegations and take necessary action accordingly.