Independent candidate sworn in as UP chairman after 3-year long legal battle

After a three-year long legal battle over a vote rigging allegation, Shamsul Huda has been sworn in as the chairman of Borobil Union Parishad (UP) in Rangpur's Gangachara upazila.

His oath-taking ceremony took place yesterday at the conference room in the Deputy Commissioner's office, where DC Mohammad Rabiul Faisal administered the oath.

The Borobil UP election was held on December 26, 2021. In the results announced by the returning officer, Awami League candidate Shahid Chowdhury Dweep won the election with 6,235 votes while his closest contender Shamsul Huda, who was independent candidate and a lawyer, secured 6,100 votes.

Following the election, Shamsul Huda filed a case in the Rangpur district's election tribunal alleging vote rigging, and demanded a recount of ballots.

After two and a half years of legal proceedings, the local election tribunal declared Huda the winner, confirming that he had received 402 more votes than his opponent Shahid Chowdhury.

Challenging the verdict, Shahid Chowdhury filed an appeal petition with the High Court. However, on February 13, the HC dismissed his petition and upheld the lower court's ruling, clearing the way for Shamsul Huda's oath-taking.

Subsequently, a letter signed by Md Moynul Islam, acting deputy director of local government, Rangpur, set yesterday as the date for the oath-taking ceremony.

Expressing his satisfaction, Shamsul Huda said, "I am grateful to the people of Borobil union who elected me with their direct votes. The previous Awami League government declared their candidate as chairman, but I pursued legal action in the election tribunal. Today, after three years and two months, I have finally taken my oath."