Jamaat candidate accused of seeking votes by offering Umrah pilgrimage

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Yusuf Hakim Sohel is facing allegations of violating the election code of conduct by seeking votes with the promise of arranging Umrah pilgrimage for voters in the Cumilla-3 (Muradnagar) constituency ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Elections.

A video circulating widely on Facebook shows Sohel, the Jamaat candidate for the seat, allegedly telling a voter during an election campaign that he would take the person for Umrah if elected as a member of parliament.

The video has triggered widespread criticism in the area, with many terming the promise unethical and a clear inducement.

Under the electoral code of conduct, candidates are prohibited from influencing voters by offering money, gifts or other inducements.

Critics allege that by promising to take voters on Umrah, the Jamaat candidate has breached these rules.

The incident has sparked strong reactions on social media and among local residents, with conscious citizens describing the act as a mockery of voters.

Maulana Badiul Alam, principal of Nabiabad Abdul Wadud Kamil Madrasa, said taking someone for Umrah is a virtuous act if done unconditionally, but offering it in exchange for votes amounts to deception.

“Earlier, they promised to take people to heaven; now they promise Umrah. These are acts of cheating the public,” he said.

Attempts to contact Yusuf Hakim Sohel for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated calls to his mobile phone.

Meanwhile, Abdus Rahman, assistant returning officer for Cumilla-3 and upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Muradnagar, said the election code of conduct does not allow any form of inducement.

“If such activities are proven, the magistrates on duty will take action in accordance with the law,” he said.