Highlights
- DUCSU VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan entered the polling center with proper permission.
- Returning Officer initially claimed candidates could not enter the center.
- Election Code of Conduct allows candidates to enter polling stations if authorized.
- First allegation of rule violation was later corrected as a misunderstanding.
Entry Into Polling Center
On Tuesday morning, Abidul Islam Khan, Vice President (VP) candidate of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) panel, entered the polling center at the Physical Education Center of Dhaka University.
Around 8:30 am, he joined the area where students from Jagannath Hall were casting their votes.
Returning Officer’s Initial Statement
Earlier in the morning, the returning officer in charge of the centre, Kazi Mostak Gausul Haque, told media over the phone:
“প্রার্থীদের ভোট কেন্দ্রে প্রবেশের কোনো সুযোগ নেই।”
Translation: “Candidates are not allowed to enter the polling centre.”
He added that he was present at another centre and was not fully aware of what was happening at Jagannath Hall, and that he was looking into the matter.
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Later, when contacted directly at the polling centre, he said:
“আমি এখানে আসার পর কাউকে পাইনি। আর কেউ ঢুকতে পারবে না।”
Translation: “After I arrived here, I didn’t find anyone. And no one will be allowed to enter.”
Election Rules Allow Candidate Entry
According to Election Code of Conduct, Clause 12 (kh):
Election officials, candidates, polling agents, or anyone authorized by the returning officer are allowed to enter polling stations.
This means that candidates like Abidul Islam Khan can legally enter the polling center if permitted.
VP Candidate Abidul Confirms Permission
Abidul told journalists earlier:
“রিটার্নিং কর্মকর্তার অনুমতি নিয়েই ঢুকেছি।”
Translation: “I entered with the permission of the returning officer.”
Correction Issued
Dhaka University’s first online report initially stated that Abidul broke the rules when entering the polling station. Later, it was clarified that he acted within the rules, and the previous statement by the returning officer was mistakenly reported.
The correction noted that according to the Election Code of Conduct, candidates are allowed to enter polling centres with authorization, and the earlier report was an unintentional error.
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