Bangladesh
Gaibandha-5 By-poll By-election for Gaibandha-5 seat today
Dhaka, Jan 4: Voting for the much-discussed Gaibandha-5 (Phulchari-Saghata) seat by-election is today (Wednesday, January 4). The Election Commission (EC) has completed all preparations for polling in a fair and peaceful environment.
Gaibandha-5 (Saghata-Phulchhari) Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi died on July 23 while undergoing treatment in the United States. After the Election Commission declared the seat vacant, the date of the by-election was fixed on October 12. But it was canceled due to irregularities in the voting.
The irregularity report was submitted on November 14. CEC Kazi Habibul Awal said that the investigation found evidence of negligence against 125 presiding officers and five police sub-inspectors of five centers. After the investigation, Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam announced the new date for the by-election of Gaibandha-5 seat on January 4 at the Agargaon election building on November 6.
Continuous voting will be held from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in 952 booths of 145 centers in 17 unions of Saghata and Phulchari upazilas.
Assistant Returning Officer and Gaibandha District Election Officer in charge of the by-election Abdul Mottalib said that strict instructions have been given to the law and order forces to deal with any untoward situation. RAB and BGB members will be in the field as a striking force along with the police to ensure fair polling and security. He also said that election equipment has already been sent to the center.
Awami League nominated candidate Mahmud Hasan Ripon, AHM Golam Shahid Ranju of Jatiya Party (JPA), Jahangir Alam of Alternative Bangladesh and independent Syed Mahbubur Rahman are contesting in the by-election of Gaibandha-5 (Saghata-Phulchari) seat. However, another independent candidate (Apple Marka) Nahiduzzaman Nishat said in a press conference that he will not contest in the by-election.
