The Dhaka Times Desk Ershad is a political hero of this time. After a long time, this former head of state has come back to the discussion. Is he facing punishment for violating the Representation of the People Order (RPO)? Such a question has come forward.
Hussain Muhammad Ershad is a great hero of the political circles of Bangladesh. He has been at the mercy of the rulers at various times. Especially during the last time of Awami League government, he was in the Grand Alliance. This time before the election, there were many dramas about Ershad. However, Ershad cannot be entirely blamed for this. He told the reporters during this election, 'I have become a political tool. I am being held hostage in the case and being made to do whatever they want.'
Even after this election, there are many criticisms regarding the postponement of the verdict in Manzoo's murder case and the change of judge. Ershad has been made the Prime Minister's Special Envoy. Still, Ershad is speaking against the government from time to time. He is criticizing the government whenever he gets a chance.
According to media reports, Jatiya Party Chairman Hussain Muhammad Ershad is going to face another danger after taking part in the 10th parliamentary elections. He may face severe punishment for not submitting election accounts on time. According to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), he can be punished with rigorous imprisonment of 2 to 7 years and fine for non-accountability. And if the court sentences him to prison, he may lose his position as a member of parliament, according to media reports.
According to the news, the returning officer has been given clear instructions from the Election Commission (EC) regarding the case recently. Last Thursday night Lalmonirhat District Commissioner and District Returning Officer Md. Habibur Rahman filed a case accordingly. It is mentioned in the news that now only the allegations are awaited to be proved.
There are many dramas regarding the withdrawal of Ershad's nomination papers in the January 5 election. At that time, although the nomination papers were withdrawn, the returning officers of Rangpur-3 (Sadar) and Lalmonirhat-1 constituencies did not accept them as they were not done properly. That is why Ershad's candidacy remains in these two seats. After the election, he submitted the account of Rangpur-3 constituencies. But Ershad did not submit the account of Lalmonirhat-1 seat. That's why Ershad got caught in the trap of the law. Although the matter was not given importance until now, it has become quite complicated. The responsible officials of the Election Commission said that there is no opportunity to withdraw the case as per the RPO.
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It is to be noted that due to the publication of the gazette of the elected on January 8, there is a provision to submit the 'expenditure return' of the rival candidates to the concerned returning officer within February 7. Also a copy of the affidavit is to be sent to the EC Secretariat. The Returning Officer will file a case against those who have not submitted the election account within this period. It is said that Ershad also falls under that law. Source: Bright Bangladesh
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