Action against Rohingya voter list scandal in Cox’s Bazar

Khurshed Helali, Cox's Bazar

District Election Officer Nazim Uddin has announced that action is being taken against individuals involved in the controversial inclusion of Rohingyas on the voter list in Cox's Bazar. Speaking at a press conference today, Uddin addressed concerns over fraudulent voter registrations that occurred under previous administrations.
Uddin highlighted the alarming issue of Rohingyas being added to the voter rolls during what he described as the "Awami misrule." He criticized the role of brokers and some public representatives in facilitating these fraudulent registrations, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
During the press conference, held at the district election office around 11:30 am, Uddin urged vigilance as current voter registration activities continue in the district. He requested the active cooperation of journalists to ensure that no Rohingya individuals are registered as voters. The call for media support underscores the critical role of transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
In response to questions about the fraudulent voter registrations, Uddin confirmed that investigations are underway to identify and address those who have gained voter status through misleading or false identities, including the use of relatives' identities.
The press conference was attended by notable figures including Momtaz Uddin Bahari, General Secretary of the Cox's Bazar Press Club, senior journalist Nurul Islam Helali, and Staff Reporter of Dainik Dinkal newspaper. The gathering of journalists from various media outlets highlighted the collaborative effort required to tackle electoral fraud effectively.
The District Election Officer's statements reflect a renewed commitment to ensuring the integrity of voter registration in Cox's Bazar and addressing past malpractices that compromised the electoral process.