Ruhul Amin Hawlader, Sarwar's candidacy challenged

3 December 2008, 18:00 PM

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Objections have been raised against candidacy of Jatiya Party (Ershad) secretary general ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader and former Barisal mayor Mojibor Rahman Sarwar for the upcoming December 29 national election. Scrutiny of the thirty nomination papers submitted for Barisal-2, 5 and 6 constituencies have been completed yesterday at the office of the district returning officer. Mushfiq Ahmed Shamim, district returning officer and deputy Commissioner of Barisal, after hearing the objections and replies, told The Daily Star that final decision about these objections would be given today. During the scrutiny of the nomination papers for Barisal-6 constituency, Grand alliance nominee AL's Major General (ret) Abdul Hafiz Mallik raised objection against his rival ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, secretary general of Jatiya Party (Ershad). Gen. Mallik alleged that Howlader submitted false and contradictory information and concealed truths about his educational qualification, wealth and so, Mallik argued that Amin's nomination paper could not be accepted. Besides Ruhul Amin submitted one nomination paper on November 20, 2008 giving information about possessing only 30 decimal land and two firearms. He did not mention the criminal cases lodged against him. However, Amin submitting another nomination paper on November 30 claimed that he possessed 2.90 acres land, 5 firearms and was acquitted in 7 out of 8 criminal cases. AL nominated grand alliance candidate for Barisal-5 Col. (ret) Zahid Faruk Shamim, raised objection against his rival four party nominee BNP's Advocate Mojibor Rahman Sarwar. Col. Faruk alleged that Sarwar performed duties as Mayor of Barisal, a post of benefit, so he could not contest in election within three years from the end of his tenure as Mayor as per election rule. Sarwar was also accused in13 criminal cases and acquitted in 6 cases. Trial of four cases was suspended and he got bail in 3 other cases. But he concealed facts about these cases, the rival alleged. Objections have also been raised against the candidacy of Bikalpadhara central leader and Jukto Front nominee for Barisal-6 Principal Abdur Rashid Khan, AL leader and rebel candidate for Barisal-5 Mahbubuddin Bir Bikram, and former BNP whip and rebel candidate for Barisal-2 Shahidul Huq Jamal on different grounds including loan default.