Re-polling sought in 3 JS seats
Three petitions have been filed with the High Court (HC) since the December 29 parliamentary polls seeking cancellation of election in three constituencies, and directives to the Election Commission (EC) to hold fresh election for these seats.
Two independent candidates who lost the polls race and another person filed the petitions.
The petitioners are ASM Feroz Alam (Patuakhali-2), Mamunur Rashid Kiron (Noakhali-3) and Brig Gen (retd) Kazi Mahmud Hossain (Narsingdi-4).
Besides, Manzur Quader, who was BNP nominee for Sirajganj-5 constituency, filed an election petition with the HC seeking its orders for recounting of the votes cast, and then declaring him elected from that constituency.
Awami League (AL) candidate Abdul Latif Biswas (now minister) was declared elected for the seat.
Counsel for the petitioners Ahsanur Rahman told The Daily Star that the petitions filed with the HC election tribunals will come up for hearing soon.
ASM Feroz Alam, independent candidate, in his petition said that his rival (AL candidate) ASM Feroz, who won the election, is a rent and bill defaulter, and an accused in a criminal case.
On December 3 last, the returning officer concerned cancelled the candidature of ASM Feroz on these grounds, but the Election Commission on December 10 permitted him to contest the election, he said.
The petitioner said had ASM Feroz not been allowed to contest the polls, he (ASM Feroz Alam) would have got AL nomination and would win the polls.
In his petition, independent candidate Mamunur Rashid Kiron said his rival BNP candidate Barkatullah Bulu won the election in Noakhali-3 constituency by resorting to various illegal practices.
Supporters of Bulu intimidated people who wanted to vote for him (Mamunur) and created panic at polling centres, he alleged.
Mamunur claimed if the election was free and fair, he would have won it.
Jatiya Party's Brig Gen (retd) Kazi Mahmud Hossain stated in his petition that he wanted to contest the polls as AL-led grand alliance nominee for Narsingdi-4 constituency, but the EC did not allocate any symbol for him.
AL candidate Nurul Majid Mahmud won the polls in this constituency.
Manzur Quader in his petition sought HC directives for recounting the votes cast and declaring him (petitioner) elected.
He mentioned that 1,689 votes were cancelled in his constituency.
And he would have won the polls race if these votes were not cancelled, he claimed.
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