EC to Hold By-Election For Misti’s Vacant Seat in 90 Days

Following a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Member of Parliament Ferdousi Ahmed Misti has resigned from her position, prompting the Parliament Secretariat to issue a formal notification declaring Seat No. 23 vacant. Ms. Misti faced severe public backlash and controversy over her alleged involvement in an incident of attack, looting, and vandalism at the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur. She officially submitted her resignation after visiting the Speaker’s office at the National Parliament Building on Thursday noon.

Following the notification from the Parliament Secretariat requesting necessary steps, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud held a press briefing at the Election Building on Thursday. He announced that a by-election for the vacant reserved seat will be conducted within 90 days as mandated by law, with the official election schedule set to be released soon.

Explaining the election process, Election Commissioner Masud noted, ‘If there are multiple candidates for the seat, a vote will take place; otherwise, a single candidate will be elected uncontested.’ He further clarified that the political party or alliance to which the seat was originally allocated will retain the position, ensuring that the parliamentary representation remains aligned with the initial allocation.

Meanwhile, addressing reporters at his Supreme Court office on Thursday afternoon, Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kajol affirmed that her resignation carries no legal complications. ‘If the party had not nominated her, she could not have become an MP in the first place. Therefore, if the party head deems it necessary for the party and the country, and the concerned MP complies, there is no fault in it,’ Mr. Kajol stated.