Shakib Al Hasan served show cause notice for violating electoral code of conduct

The convoy of vehicles cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, also an Awami League candidate for the Magura-1 constituency,  led during his return from Dhaka to Magura has landed him in hot waters as it violated the electoral code of conduct.   

He has been served a show cause notice by the returning officer concerned in this regard on Thursday (30 November). 

In a letter signed by the head of the Magura-1 Election Inquiry Committee and joint district and session judge Satyabrata Shikdar, the all-rounder was asked to appear before the Committee on 1 December to respond to the rules violation claims brought against him.

You, Shakib Al Hasan, entered Magura city with a convoy from Kamarkhali area on November 29 after being declared as Awami League-nominated candidate from Magura-1 constituency

Judge Satyabrata Shikdar

The notice outlined an incident where Shakib led a convoy of vehicles during his return from Dhaka to Magura on 29 November, marking his first appearance in Magura since receiving the AL nomination. He was given a public reception causing disruption to public movement.

"You, Shakib Al Hasan, entered Magura city with a convoy from Kamarkhali area on November 29 after being declared as Awami League-nominated candidate from Magura-1 constituency," the notice said, adding that Shakib attended civic receptions, disrupting traffic on the road.

Ahead of his arrival, thousands of leaders, activists, and supporters gathered at the Garai Bridge area between Magura and Faridpur to welcome the AL candidate for the Magura-1. Shakib's journey, spanning 12 kilometers from Garai Bridge in Kamarkhali to Magura town, took two hours, accompanied by numerous motorcycles and four-wheelers. 

As per the national elections code of conduct, political parties or their candidates are prohibited from organising processions involving trucks, buses, motorcycles, or any mechanical vehicles, whether as a showdown or during campaigning.

Wednesday's incident received widespread media coverage.

The letter explicitly cited the violation of the electoral code of conduct and instructed Shakib to provide a written explanation for why legal action shouldn't be taken against him for the reported breach.

It reads, "You have thereby violated the provisions of Sections 6(d), 8(a), 10(a) and 12 of the Rules of Conduct of Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2008. 

"You have been instructed to appear in person at the inquiry committee office at 3pm on 1 December and present a written explanation as to why legal action will not be taken against you due to the violation of that law."

Although Shakib could not be reached for immediate comments, yesterday afternoon at the party office, he expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public. 

He also urged everyone to adhere strictly to the election code of conduct.

Shakib Al Hasan had collected the nomination forms for the Dhaka-10 seat along with Magura-1 and Magura-2 seats, to contest in the 12th national elections. 

Later on 26 November, he secured the AL nomination for Magura-1.

Similar notices were issued on Thursday to two other candidates, including AL candidate for Narayanganj-1 constituency Golam Dastgir and  Dhaka-19 candidate Dr Md Enamur Rahman.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Enamur Rahman received the show cause notice for rule violations.

Both candidates have been directed to report to the respective constituency offices by 10 am on 1 December in response to the show cause notices.