The Election Commission (EC) has cancelled the candidature of Aftab Hossain Khan, a leader of Sechchhasebak League and a councillor candidate for Ward-7 in the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) polls; for organising a showdown with arms.
The EC cancelled his candidature on Wednesday (June 14) following a hearing on a complaint filed by Sayeed Md Abdullah.
Earlier, in response to the complaint, a show-cause notice was served on Aftab Hossain Khan for organising the showdown with arms outside the home of a rival candidate with a group of 20 to 25 men.
The EC had directed Aftab Hossain Khan to provide a written explanation and appear before the commission on June 14 at 3:00pm. The EC cancelled the candidature following a hearing, said EC Secretary Jahangir Ala.
The EC cancelled his candidature under section 91 of the Local Government (City Corporation) Electoral Rules, 2010 and section 31 of the City Corporation (Electoral Code of Conduct) Rules, 2016.
Earlier in the Gazipur City Corporation elections, AL-backed councillor candidate Azizur Rahman lost his candidacy a day before the election.
Aftab Hossain Khan was served the show cause notice and called into the EC over his intimidating speech, urging people not to come to polling centres if they do not want to vote for AL.
The incident has raised concerns among people as the individual responsible for carrying the firearm during the confrontation is still at large and the weapon has not been recovered.
In the CCTV footage, a group of motorcyclists were seen gathering in front of Sayeed Md Abdullah’s residence, with Abul Kalam Azad Tuhin, a former BCL leader, brandishing the firearm at the gate.
Aftab Hossain Khan, the incumbent councillor of Ward-7 and president of Sylhet city's Swechasebak League, was seen leading the group.
Three individuals-- Atiqur Rahman, Juber Ahmed, and Nuruzzaman-- were arrested in connection with the firearm display.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal addressed the matter during a meeting with all the candidates in Sylhet and assured necessary steps would be taken in this regard.
