By-polls to Papul's seat on April 11

The Election Commission (EC) has fixed April 11 to hold the by-election to Lakshmipur-2 constituency which fell vacant after convicted Kazi Shahid Islam Papul lost his parliamentary membership.

EC Secretary Humayun Kabir Khondaker announced the by-polls schedule after a meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban on Wednesday.

As per the schedule, the candidates will have to submit nomination papers by March 18.

The commission set March 19 as the last date for scrutinizing nomination papers and March 24 for withdrawal of candidacy.

In the meeting, the commission decided to hold the by-election with the use of Electronic Votting Machine (EVM).

Earlier on February 22, the Parliament Secretariat issued a notice cancelling Papul's parliament membership, and showing his seat vacant from January 28.

A criminal court in Kuwait on January 28 convicted Bangladeshi MP Kazi Shahid Islam Papul and jailed him for four years for money laundering and human trafficking. 

Earlier on June 6 last year, Kuwait's Criminal Investigation Department arrested Papul.

At that time, Gulf News in a report said the prosecutors made three allegations against him - human trafficking, money laundering and selling resident permit to Bangladeshi workers there.

It was learned that he was apprehended following five Bangladeshi nationals alleged that Papul, an independent lawmaker from Laxmipur-2 constituency, took more than Tk 8.25 lakh from them each to send them to Kuwait.

Besides, they had to pay him newly every year for residency VISA renewal, they had alleged.

HS/SU