The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee has summoned Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, whose candidacy in the Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency was canceled over a loan default allegation, following accusations that he threatened voters.
He has been asked to appear in person on Wednesday with a written statement to explain the matter.
The order was issued Tuesday night by Senior Civil Judge Tafrima Tabassum of the Comilla-4 Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee. The Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and assistant returning officer had submitted a written complaint to the committee, alleging that Munshi threatened voters.
Additional District Magistrate of Comilla Mohammad Zafar Sadiq Chowdhury confirmed matter on Wednesday.
Earlier Tuesday afternoon, a video of Munshi’s remarks went viral on social media. In the video, he is heard saying: “If the BNP comes to power and you vote for another party, I will not spare any of you. If necessary, I will burn down your homes and reduce everything to ashes.”
Munshi had been the BNP candidate for the Comilla-4 seat. His candidacy was challenged in court over loan default allegations and subsequently canceled by court order.
After his candidacy was scrapped, the BNP extended support to Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Md A. Jasim Uddin in the Comilla-4 constituency. Munshi made the controversial remarks at a courtyard meeting held in Baksar village of Debidwar Upazila on Monday midnight, the last day of campaigning, in support of Jasim Uddin’s “truck” election symbol.
In the constituency, Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the southern region of the National Citizen Party (NCP), is contesting as the candidate of the 11-party alliance.