City Polls: EC okays nominations of sacked councillor, wife
Farhana Ahmed Boishakhi is vying against her husband, sacked councillor AKM Mominul Haq Shaeed, for ward-9 councillor post in the upcoming Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) polls.
After scrutinising, Election Commission found both the candidates’ nomination papers okay.
In 2015, Shaeed -- currently on the run after the drive against illegal casino business -- became councillor of the ward with Awami League’s support.
But this year, president of ward-9 unit of Awami League, Mozammel Haque, received party support instead of him.
Shaeed’s wife Boishakhi has also secured nomination for the councillor post, EC sources confirmed.
Boishakhi, vice president of Mahila Awami League of ward-9, submitted her nomination paper on December 31, 2019. However, this correspondent could not confirm when Shaeed had submitted his nomination and whether the controversial councillor submitted the documents in person.
If the couple do not withdraw their nomination papers by January 9, both will remain valid candidates for the election -- scheduled to be held on January 30.
On social media, followers and associates of the couple -- on their behalf -- were found seeking support from locals.
On October 17, 2019, the Local Government Division removed Shaeed from councillor post for being “absent in meetings and staying abroad without permission”. After his removal, DSCC gave Sultan Miah, councillor of ward-8, the additional responsibility of Shaeed’s ward.
The move came weeks after reports surfaced that Shaeed was involved in illegal casino business in the capital.
He reportedly fled the country in September after Rab launched a crackdown on illegal gambling, extortion and tender manipulation.
On November 20, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against Shaeed, also proprietor of “Baishakhi Enterprise”, for amassing wealth of Tk 4.5 crore beyond known source of income.
ACC officials are now probing the case.
Contacted, Mozammel said the couple could cause “inconveniences” for him in the race. “Some votes may go in their favour,” said Mozammel, adding that he is hopeful of winning.
The Daily Star tried to reach the couple for comments but their phones were found switched off.
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