The former Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of BNP, the former State Minister for Law, Barrister Mohammad Shahjahan Omar Bir Uttam joined the Awami League and became a candidate for the Jhalkathi-1 (Rajapur-Kantalia) Constituency in the boat symbol of the Awami League. The Election Inquiry Committee has issued a show-cause notice in the event of campaigning before the allotment. Jhalkathi District Election Officer Md. Salek confirmed the matter. He told the reporters this when asked over the phone on Monday evening. Mention, on Monday (December 4) at 11 am, Shahjahan Omar introduced the President and General Secretary of the Upazila BNP among the leaders and activists of Awami League present at a rally organized at Kanthalia Upazila Government Pilot High School ground. Kanthalia Upazila BNP President Abdul Jalil Miyaji was sitting on a chair on the left side of Shahjahan Omar with a firearm in his hand. General Secretary Md Zakir Hossain Kabir was sitting next to him. On the other hand, Kanthalia Upazila Awami League’s former convener and former Upazila Parishad Chairman Md. Golam Kibria Sikdar, Upazila Awami League Vice President Abul Basar Badsha, Shauljalia Union Parishad Chairman Md. Mahmud Hossain Ripon were standing on the right side. Shahjahan Omar said in the public meeting – “Kantalia Awami League cannot have any grouping. Tarun League, Kibrialiag, Buralaig and Bacha League cannot exist here. Only Sheikh Hasina group will be here”. He also said – ‘I and BNP team along with your guests’ will welcome us. We are educated people, if you respect us we will respect you too”. After the rally, he called upon the leaders and activists of Awami League and BNP to unite. He also said that he will meet again after December 11. At this time, Awami League and various leaders and activists came to offer floral greetings to Shahjahan Omar, but there is pent-up anger among them. Kanthalia Upazila BNP President Abdul Jalil Miazi, who was sitting with the firearm, said that the firearm was licensed by Barrister Mohammad Shahjahan Omar Bir Uttam. He was coming to Kanthalia with the permission of the police station, when the OCO of Kanthalia police station was present here. I am putting the weapon in my hand as I am asked to keep it. He had another licensed pistol with him. In this regard, Kanthalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahidul Islam said, no police was present in that public gathering including me. Police were on law and order duty. He cannot legally hold a public meeting with weapons. Jhalkathi District Election Officer Md. Salek said, “We have not yet received any instructions on whether a candidate can carry licensed weapons in public gatherings.”
