Court Advises Manjurul Munshi to Exercise Restraint After Allegations of Threatening Voters

Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, who lost his candidacy in the Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency due to loan default allegations, was summoned by the election inquiry and judicial committee over accusations of threatening voters. The court advised him to exercise restraint in his public remarks.On Wednesday (February 11) at 3:00 pm, the Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee for the 13th National Parliamentary Election in Cumilla-4  presided over by Senior Assistant Judge Tafreema Tabassum of the Civil Court, issued the directive.Judge Tafreema Tabassum told Munshi that multiple complaints had been received against him over phone conversations and urged him, as a senior figure, to remain measured in his statements.Munshi submitted a written explanation and clarified remarks he had made at an election gathering. His legal team included Barrister ABM Hamidul Mezbah, Cumilla Bar General Secretary Khandakar Mizanur Rahman, Advocate Abdul Awal Bhuiyan, and Advocate Amanur Rahman Khan Tariq.On Tuesday night (February 10), the committee instructed Munshi to appear in person with a written statement by Wednesday afternoon in response to allegations that he had threatened voters. The complaint was formally submitted by Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Assistant Returning Officer Rakibul Islam.In a press release signed by Munshi on Wednesday, he stated that although his party had expelled him, he would continue to uphold BNP’s ideals for life. He alleged that despite receiving BNP nomination, a group worked to keep him out of the election. Addressing Debidwar residents, he declared support for the Ganadhikar Parishad candidate with the “Truck” symbol, urging voters to ensure victory and strengthen Tarique Zia’s political position.A video circulating on social media shows Munshi allegedly warning voters that if BNP returned to power and they voted for another party, he would not spare them, even threatening destruction of property. Following the incident, BNP announced his expulsion through an official statement.Munshi was originally BNP’s candidate for Cumilla-4, but his candidacy was cancelled by court order over loan default allegations. Afterward, BNP endorsed Ganadhikar Parishad candidate Md. A. Jasim Uddin. Munshi made the controversial remarks during a campaign meeting in Baksar village on the final day of campaigning, sparking widespread debate.In the constituency, the 11-party alliance candidate is Hasnat Abdullah, southern region chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP). BNP has actively campaigned for Jasim Uddin since announcing its support.