Allegations of Government Officials’ Involvement in Election Campaigning in Pabna-3

Allegations have emerged regarding the involvement of government officials in election campaigning in the Pabna-3 constituency ahead of the National Parliamentary Election. According to the complaint, several officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension under the Ministry of Agriculture participated directly in electioneering activities on January 23 at around 11:00 a.m. at KataKhali Bazar in Chatmohar Upazila of Pabna.

The complaint states that the officials were seen engaging in public campaigning and distributing leaflets in support of candidate Agriculturist Hasan Zafir Tuhin in the Pabna-3 constituency. It further claims that such actions constitute a clear violation of the National Parliamentary Election Ordinance 2026.

The government officials named in the complaint are:

Md. Nure Alam Siddique, Grade-9, Planner and Deputy Director (Flowers and Fruits), Horticulture Wing

Md. Munsurul Hasan, Grade-9, Deputy Director (Administration), Administration and Finance Wing

Boni Amin Khan, Grade-7, Additional Deputy Director (Import), Plant Quarantine Wing

Sabbir Ahmed, Grade-7, Additional Deputy Director (Crops, Policy and Planning), Plant Quarantine Wing

Md. Mojibur Rahman, Grade-7, Additional Deputy Director (Pesticide Quality Control), Plant Quarantine Wing

Md. Abdul Monir, Grade-9, Upazila Agriculture Officer, Ishwardi, Pabna

The complainant, Md. Mojibur Rahman, alleged that the officials openly distributed campaign leaflets and actively participated in public outreach activities alongside the candidate. Video clips and photographs have been submitted as evidence in support of the allegations.

A written complaint has been filed with the Chief Election Commissioner, urging legal action against the accused officials. Copies of the complaint have also been sent to the Cabinet Secretary, the Election Commission Secretariat, the Office of the Chief Adviser, the Ministry of Agriculture, and other relevant authorities.

As of now, no official response has been issued by the Election Commission regarding the matter. However, under existing election laws, participation of government officials and employees in election campaigning is considered a punishable offense.