8 upazila polls runners face criminal charges in Rajshahi

About eight persons who are facing criminal charges are contesting the upcoming upazila elections for chairmanship in Rajshahi district.

One of the candidates was convicted in a criminal case while two others are accused of torturing their wives and demanding dowry from in laws.

These were revealed from the candidates' affidavits submitted to the Election Commission.

Bagha upazila chairman candidate Abdul Gani Mandol mentioned that he was convicted in a misappropriation case. He was sentenced to suffer six months 15 days imprisonment with fine of Tk 5,000.

Golam Rabbani, Tanore Awami League (AL) president resigned from chairmanship of Pachondor Union Parishad for taking part in the election race for chairmanship in Tanore upazila.

He mentioned in his affidavit that he is an accused in two cases, one filed under Women and Children Repression Prevention Act for torturing his wife and another under Muslim Family Law for marrying without permission from first wife and divorcing the latter without paying dues (denmohor).

Rabbani's wife Monwara Khatun who is also contesting for chairmanship post told newsmen that she is contesting not to win, but to defeat Rabbani.

However, Rabbani said he married for second time for a child as he has no child from his first wife to whom he married in 1986.

Charghat upazila BNP president and chairman candidate Abu Sayeed Chand is an accused in three cases for terrorist activities and cheating.

Puthia upazila chairman candidate and central vice president of Bangladesh Chhatra League Ahsanul Haque Masud mentioned that he is an accused in five criminal cases which are now being tried at various courts.

Durgapur upazila BNP president and chairman candidate Ashraful Kabir said in his affidavit that he is accused in three cases including one for murder and all the cases are now under trial.

Talpur Zia Parishad president M Golam Dastgir, also Godagari upazila chairman candidate, is an accused in a dowry case filed by his ex-wife Angura Begum.

Godagari upazila chairman candidate AKM Ataur Rahman who is also former vice president of district AL is an accused in a criminal case lodged with a Rajshahi court in 2007.

Two criminal cases are under trial against Tanore upazila chairman candidate and upazila AL general secretary Abdullah Al Mamun while his rival BNP's upazila chairman candidate Emran Ali Mollah is facing three criminal charges.

Paba upazila chairman candidate Abdur Rouf Nannu is also an accused in a criminal case filed in 2004.

Besides, several other chairman candidates in different upazilas were either acquitted or relieved of criminal charges previously.

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