The office of the District Returning Officer has issued a show-cause notice to Barrister Rumeen Farhana, an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail and Ashuganj), over allegations of violating the election code of conduct, obstructing judicial duties, and threatening an executive magistrate.The notice was issued on Sunday (January 18) and signed by District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akter Jahan. According to the notice, Rumeen Farhana has been instructed to appear in person at the Deputy Commissioner’s office and submit a written explanation by January 22. Failure to do so may result in legal action.According to the notice, on the afternoon of January 17, Rumeen Farhana held an election rally at Islamabad village in Noagaon Union under Sarail upazila of Brahmanbaria. A large stage was set up and approximately 400 to 500 people attended the gathering. She reportedly delivered political speeches using a microphone, which the authorities said violated the Election Code of Conduct 2025.When an executive magistrate conducting a mobile court ordered the rally to be stopped, Rumeen Farhana allegedly behaved in an aggressive and discourteous manner and issued various threats toward the magistrate. The notice states that she showed her thumb and warned the magistrate, saying that he would not be able to leave the area without her permission.It was further alleged that individuals accompanying her displayed aggressive behavior, creating a mob situation that obstructed judicial proceedings. The Returning Officer’s office described the incident as a clear violation of election rules.The notice also mentioned that videos of the incident have already spread across social media as well as electronic and print media, triggering negative public reactions.In the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, comprising Sarail and Ashuganj upazilas and two unions of Bijoynagar upazila. the BNP has allocated the seat to its ally Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh. The party’s endorsed candidate is Jamiat’s Joint Secretary-General Maulana Junayed Al Habib. As Rumeen Farhana contested the election as a rebel candidate, she was expelled from the BNP, where she previously served as Central Assistant International Affairs Secretary.Meanwhile, in the widely circulated video, Rumeen Farhana is heard telling the executive magistrate, “If you can, stop it. I am speaking politely today, but next time I will not.” Others present are also seen making gestures and remarks suggesting defiance toward the authorities. In response, the magistrate is heard saying that intervention becomes necessary when the code of conduct is violated. Rumeen Farhana reportedly replied that such activities were happening everywhere and that the authorities could do nothing about it.