Jhalakathi: The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee has issued a show-cause notice to Dr Faizul Haque, a candidate from Jamaat-e-Islami contesting in the Jhalakathi-1 (Rajapur-Kathalia) constituency. He faces allegations of violating the electoral code of conduct.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the notice was delivered by Rezwana Afrin, joint district and sessions judge (Second Court) and head of the committee, on Friday evening. Dr Faizul Haque is accused of making remarks during his campaign that allegedly hurt religious sentiments and solicited votes using religious influence, actions that contravene electoral regulations. Additionally, he is charged with commencing his campaign activities ahead of the officially sanctioned period, further breaching the electoral code.

The committee’s decision followed an examination of credible information, news reports, and video footage shared on social media, which revealed that Dr Faizul Haque made a statement on January 7 during a meeting in Rajapur upazila, considered offensive to religious sentiments. The notice specifies that these actions infringe upon Rules 15(a), 16(ng), and 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections 2025.

Dr Faizul Haque has been summoned to appear in person on January 12 and is required to submit a written explanation justifying why a recommendation for action against him should not be forwarded to the Election Commission. In response to the notice, Dr Faizul Haque expressed his respect for the law and affirmed his intention to respond within the given timeframe.