Bogura-2: Mir Shahe Alam Under Scrutiny Over Affidavit and EC Website Irregularities

Serious allegations have emerged against BNP-nominated candidate Mir Shahe Alam in Bogura-2 (Shibganj) constituency ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. He has been accused of concealing information in his election affidavit, violating electoral laws by holding government and autonomous positions, breaching the election code of conduct, and exerting undue influence on the electoral process, including irregularities on the Election Commission’s official website.

According to complaints filed with the Returning Officer, Mir Shahe Alam allegedly violated Article 66(2) of the Constitution and provisions of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, by contesting the election while remaining in office in several government and autonomous bodies. It is alleged that he failed to disclose these positions in the affidavit submitted with his nomination papers and did not attach any valid resignation documents.

Local sources claim that Mir Shahe Alam currently serves as chairman or president of at least ten educational institutions, shrines, and mosque committees in the constituency. In addition, he is reportedly serving as a director of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) and the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC). However, no evidence of resignation from these positions was disclosed in his affidavit.

A key document cited by complainants is an official letter issued on January 25 by the Board Wing (Administration) of BSCIC. The notice, signed by the Member Secretary of the BSCIC Board, invited Director Mir Shahe Alam to attend the 834th board meeting scheduled for January 26. Legal experts argue that had his resignation been effective prior to submitting his nomination, there would have been no justification for issuing such a notice.

Similarly, senior officials of BRTC have confirmed that Mir Shahe Alam has not formally resigned from his post as director.

Bogura District Returning Officer Md. Touhidur Rahman stated, “The affidavit submitted by Mir Shahe Alam does not include any resignation documents relating to educational institutions or government and autonomous profit-making positions. The matter is currently under verification.”

Controversy has also arisen over the publication of candidate lists on the Election Commission’s website. According to established rules, candidate names are to be displayed in alphabetical order. However, in the case of Bogura-2 constituency, Mir Shahe Alam’s name reportedly appears both at the top and again at the bottom of the list. As a result, eight candidates are shown on the website instead of the actual seven. Local political observers believe this anomaly raises serious questions about transparency and possible undue influence within the election administration.

Candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami, Nagorik Oikya, Jatiya Party, and independent candidates have jointly submitted written complaints to the Bogura District Returning Officer. The complaints state that contesting an election while holding government or autonomous profit-making positions is illegal under the RPO and undermines electoral fairness and equal opportunity.

Further allegations include violations of the election code of conduct. Mir Shahe Alam is accused of distributing biryani and other food items among voters during campaign meetings. It is also alleged that campaign events were held inside government offices and union parishad meeting halls, where food and gift items were distributed to attract voters. Additionally, complaints have been made regarding intimidation of voters and local businesspersons.

Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and Nagorik Oikya, at a press briefing, claimed that these actions were part of a coordinated effort to manipulate the electoral environment and demanded an immediate and impartial investigation.

Abu Nasar Md. Alamgir Hossain, former Upazila Chairman and a member of the Jamaat-e-Islami election management committee for Bogura-2, submitted a written application to the Bogura District Returning Officer and District Magistrate Md. Toufiqur Rahman, urging an investigation into the alleged concealment of information and appropriate legal action.

District Returning Officer and District Magistrate Md. Toufiqur Rahman confirmed receipt of the complaints, stating, “We have received the allegations and an investigation will be conducted. Necessary action will be taken based on the findings.” Regarding allegations of food distribution and intimidation, he added that written complaints would be examined, but noted limitations in taking action without photographic or video evidence.

Legal experts say that under the Constitution and the RPO, a candidate’s nomination is liable to be cancelled if it is proven that he contested the election while holding government or autonomous profit-making positions. They further warn that irregularities in publishing candidate information on the Election Commission’s website severely undermine the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

As the controversy deepens, political parties, candidates, and voters in Bogura-2 are closely watching how the Election Commission responds to the allegations surrounding the BNP candidate.