Jhalokathi, Jan 11 (V7N) — Dr. Fayzul Haque, the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh candidate for the Jhalokathi-1 constituency (Rajapur–Kathalia), has been issued a show-cause notice over remarks made during an election campaign that allegedly breached the electoral code of conduct.

The notice was served on Friday evening by Judge Rezwana Afrin, head of the constituency’s Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee and Joint District and Sessions Judge of the Second Court, following allegations of misconduct during electioneering.

According to the notice, Dr. Fayzul Haque is accused of hurting religious sentiments and using religion to seek votes. He has been instructed to appear in person before the Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee on Monday, January 12, to submit a written explanation.

The notice states that after reviewing reliable information, media reports, and social media content received by the committee, it was found that Dr. Fayzul Haque made the remarks publicly at an election courtyard meeting held in Rajapur on Wednesday night, January 7. In the speech, he suggested that even a person who had never practiced religious worship might receive divine forgiveness if, while smoking a bidi, he invited others to vote for the party’s “scale” symbol. The statement was subsequently reported by various media outlets and came to the committee’s attention.

The committee noted that the remarks constitute clear violations of the Political Parties and Candidates Code of Conduct for Parliamentary Elections, 2025. These include Rule 15(a), which prohibits actions that hurt religious sentiments or use religion in election campaigning; Rule 16(e), which bars the misuse of religious or ethnic sentiments on social media for electoral gain; and Rule 18, which prohibits campaigning before the officially permitted time. The notice asked why an inquiry report should not be forwarded to the Election Commission for action over these alleged violations.

Responding to the notice, Dr. Fayzul Haque said his comments had been misrepresented. He stated that as a parliamentary candidate, he must address people from all walks of life, including those with different lifestyles. He explained that his remarks were aimed at ordinary people who smoke bidis at roadside shops and were intended to encourage them to seek votes for his party’s symbol. He added that he respects the law and is prepared to submit a formal response within the stipulated time.

END/AIJ/SMA/