Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has announced that no candidate will be allowed to contest in more than three constituencies in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election. A circular issued by the EC Secretariat outlined the new regulations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Article 13Ka of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, states that if any individual files nomination papers from more than three constituencies simultaneously, all of his or her nomination papers shall be deemed invalid. The circular emphasized that individuals holding an 'office of profit' in the state will not be eligible to contest in the national election.
A full-time position within the Republic or in any government-controlled institution will be considered an office of profit, leading to disqualification from running in the election. The circular mentioned that chairmen of Upazila Parishads, Zila Parishads, and Union Parishads; Mayors of City Corporations and Pourasavas; and responsible officials of various government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, or government-funded offices must resign if they wish to contest in the polls.
Additionally, the circular provided instructions regarding the management of election expenses. Under Article 44Ka of the RPO, 1972, every election agent, or the candidate themselves if no agent is present, must open a separate bank account in a scheduled bank for election-related expenditures. Candidates are also required to submit particulars of their projected sources of election expenses in Form-20 and a statement of assets, liabilities, and annual income-expenditure in Form-21 along with their nomination papers.