A total of 35 teachers in Madaripur-3 (Kalkini-Dasar and Sadar) constituency have been exempted from election duties due to their attendance at a meeting with teachers assigned to polling stations.
The meeting took place at the residence of Member of Parliament Shajahan Khan, the candidate for the "boat" symbol in Madaripur-2 (Rajouri and Sadar) constituency on Monday morning.
A video of the meeting circulated on social media, showing Obaidur Rahman Khan, the younger brother of Sadar Upazila Parishad chairman and former shipping minister Shajahan Khan, delivering a speech to the teachers appointed at the polling station in Madaripur-3 constituency. Shajahan Khan was present at the meeting.
Obaidur Rahman Khan said in his speech: "Your beloved leader Shajahan Khan has been instructed by the prime minister to give importance to the three (Madaripur-3) constituencies and to carry out the campaign for the constituencies."
“If we can elect my brother Golap, then Shajahan Khan and Golap together can bring stability to Madaripur for a long time,” he added.
Some teachers, requesting anonymity, mentioned that the upazila chairman abruptly called them to his house for a meeting regarding the election.
They highlighted that the meeting was supposed to be held at the Upazila Parishad but took place at MP Shajahan Khan’s residence.
Kalkini upazila Awami League General Secretary and supporter of independent candidate Tahmina Begum of Madaripur-3 Toufikuzzaman Shahin alleged that Shajahan Khan was attempting to appoint his preferred teachers as polling agents and presiding officers.
“We filed a formal complaint to the Election Commission. The teachers who gathered at Shahjahan Khan's residence are all his activists. The election will be questionable if they carry out any duties during it,” he added.
District Election Officer Ahmad Ali said that the district primary education officer was notified as soon as the returning officer became aware of the situation. They have been instructed to look into the matter and provide a detailed explanation in the next two days. The relevant teachers have also been released from their electoral duties.
