Bangladesh
Laxmipur-2 Constituency Voting in Laxmipur-2 constituency to take place before Ramadan
Dhaka, February 24: As Kazi Shahid Islam Papul's MP post was revoked, polling in Laxmipur-2 constituency may be held before Ramadan.
Election Commissioner Kabita Khanam said, "I have received a letter about him (Papul) revoking his MP post. There is a provision to hold elections within 90 days of a seat being declared vacant. The Election Commission will hold a meeting and finalise the decision accordingly."
She made the remarks in response to a question from reporters at her office in the capital's Election Building on Tuesday (February 23).
Election Commissioner Kabita Khanam said, "Usually no election is held during Ramadan. It will probably not be held either. We must consider the matter. If elections are held after Eid, we have to calculate whether 90 days have elapsed. However, the meeting will make a final decision in this regard."
On Monday (February 22), the Parliament Secretariat issued a notification regarding the cancellation of Papul's MP post. It has shown that his post has been vacant since January 28.
The circular, signed by senior secretary Dr Zafar Ahmed Khan, said, "Shahid Islam, an MP from Laxmipur-2 constituency, is not eligible to be a Member of Parliament as per Article 66 (2) (d) of the Constitution of Bangladesh as he was sentenced to four years rigorous imprisonment for criminal offenses in Kuwait. That is why his seat has become vacant from January 28, the date of pronouncement of the verdict as per Article 67 (1) (d) of the Constitution."
Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Kabita Khanam said polling for the Upazila and Union Parishads will be held on the 28th of this month. The commission has taken steps to prevent violence in these elections.
