Re-polling postponed till Oct 24

A Vacation Bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Tafazzal Islam passed the order on Sunday following a prayer submitted by Abdul Halim Gazi, who won the election.

Election in Jhalakathi municipality was held on May 9. Next day, Halim Gazi was declared elected chairman of the pourasabha.

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His nearest rival Afzal Hossain Rana lodged a writ petition with the High Court on May 22 for cancellation of the result, alleging that Halim Gazi was a loan defaulter and was not eligible for contesting the election.

The High Court issued an injunction on oath-taking by Halim Gazi and it was not held.

Halim Gazi appealed to the Supreme Court against the HC order. The SC sent the case to the HC on July 23 for disposal.

A High Court Bench on August 1 declared Halim Gazi's election null and void and ordered the Election Commission to declare a fresh schedule for re-election.

Jhalakati District Magistrate and Returning Officer Munshi Iqbal Hossain fixed October 17 for the re-election to the post of Jhalakati municipal chairman. A list of seven candidates was also published on September 29.

On other hand, Halim Gazi submitted a prayer on September 15 to the SC against the August 1 High Court order. The SC Vacation Bench then passed the postponement order.