The Election Commission has ordered the withdrawal of Patgram police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Arju Md Sazzad Hossain, for failing to uphold the electoral code of conduct in Lalmonirhat district.
District Detective Branch (DB) Officer Mansur Ali has been appointed as the new OC of Patgram police station, Lalmonirhat Assistant Superintendent of Police (B Circle) Taposh Sarkar confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune on Saturday.
First phase of fifth Upazila Parishad Election is slated to be held in Patgram on Sunday. A total of four male and three female vice chairperson candidates are vying in the polls. They have maintained a peaceful and competitive electoral atmosphere.
However, there are allegations that supporters of Awami League nominated candidate Ruhul Amin Babul attacked and severely injured supporters of rebel ruling party candidate Wazedul Islam Shaheen, and vandalized 12 motorcycles.
Shaheen’s supporters also reportedly faced death threats from the opposition.
For failing to prevent electoral violence, the Election Commission directed that OC Sazzad Hossain be withdrawn from duties.
Confirming that Sazzad Hossain was withdrawn around 10:30pm on Friday, Returning Officer and Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam said: “I have received a letter corroborating the withdrawal of Patgram police station OC Sazzad Hossain as per the decision of the Election Commission.
“He was withdrawn for failing to uphold the electoral code of conduct, and for failing to avert the incidents of electoral violence in the area. We were also directed to appoint a suitable replacement.”
Sazzad Hossain also acknowledged the commission’s decision.