Most of the seven BNP-affiliated mayor aspirants in the six municipalities of Natore have several criminal cases pending with different courts, according to the affidavits published by the Election Commission.
Their nomination papers were, however, accepted by the election returning officer as valid.
On the other hand, the mayor candidates backed by the ruling Awami League and the party’s rebels have no criminal cases against them, according to the published affidavits.
Two of the BNP-nominated candidates – Ishaque Ali of Boraigram and Shamim Al Razi Md Shahinur Rahman – are incumbent mayors. They both has two cases against them.
The case filed in 2006 with Boraigram police against Ishaque is currently under trial at the Natore’s Speedy Trial Tribunal. Police have filed final report in the other case lodged against him in 2013.
On the other hand, the two cases against Singra municipality Mayor Shahinur were filed in 2010 and 2015.
Moreover, BNP-nominated candidate in Gurudashpur Moshiur Rahman Bablu faces one case filed under the Special Powers Act while Gopalpur’s Nazrul Islam has three cases filed against him.
The BNP-nominated mayor aspirants will have to face rebels in Natore sadar, Noldanga and Singra municipalities.
Zillur Rahman Khan Chowdhury of Natore sadar municipality has four criminal cases against him, one of which was filed under the Explosives Substances Act. He is the general secretary of district unit Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the BNP.
In Noldanga municipality, BNP leader Zillur Rahman is vying for the mayor post as an independent candidate. He faces two cases.
Mayor aspirant Dauder Mahmud in Singra municipality has three cases pending with different courts.
