The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Senior District Election Officer Abul Hossain after Rajshahi Metropolitan Awami League Organizing Secretary Mir Ishtiaq Ahmed Limon was found at his residence.
Chhatra League and police sources reported that after witnessing the Awami League leader's presence at Abul Hossain's house Sunday night, Chhatra League and Awami League leaders and activists demanded his removal. They also held a protest in front of the election officer's house from 9am-12pm on Sunday.
Rashik Dutt, president of Chhatra League's Rajshahi College unit, stated that Mir Ishtiaq Ahmed entered the house to strategize for the election campaign of his uncle, councillor candidate Abdul Hamid Sarkar.
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Two other individuals accompanied him, one of whom was carrying a bag of money. When Chhatra League leaders entered the house, the individual with the bag fled, he added.
The Election Commission asked for an explanation from Abul Hossain in this regard on Monday.
He claimed he gave his explanation that very day, denying the allegations made by the Chhatra League leader.
Abul Hossain stated that Mir Ishtiaq came to his house alone and that he did not see anyone else with him.
Regarding his discussion with Mir Ishtiaq, Abul Hossain mentioned that it revolved around the impartiality of the election. He assured Ishtiaq that the election will be held fairly, adding that no further conversation took place.
Rajshahi Regional Election Officer Delwar Hossain stated that appropriate action is going to be taken in response to the incident.
Mir Ishtiaq Ahmed Limon, an Awami League leader who was apprehended at the residence of the election officer in Rajshahi, was released on Monday under the custody of his father, Mir Iqbal, chairman of Rajshahi district council.
Mir Ishtiaq Ahmed serves as the organizing secretary of Rajshahi Metropolitan Awami League.
He visited the house of Abul Hossain, assistant returning officer for Ward No 9, 11 and 12 of the city election Sunday night. At that time, metropolitan Chhatra League and Awami League leaders and activists gathered outside, demanding his removal and chanting slogans. Eventually, a large crowd gathered in front of the house in Sagarpara Mohalla in the city during the night.
Police rescued Mir Ishtiaq from the house around 12am and took him to Boalia police station, where he remained overnight.