Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party, and its chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary have responded to the show-cause notices issued against them for alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct.

According to officials at the returning officer’s office, written replies were submitted on their behalf around 2:00pm today. Nahid submitted his reply first, followed later by Patwary. Representatives of the two leaders delivered the responses to the returning officer.

In their replies, the two leaders sought withdrawal of the show-cause notices and assured the authorities that they would refrain from violating the electoral code of conduct in future.

Officials at the RO’s office confirmed the matter to The Daily Star. However, the returning officer declined to make any immediate comment, the officials added.

The show-cause notices were issued over alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.

Separate letters, signed yesterday by the Returning Officer and Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, asked both leaders to explain their actions. The matter was confirmed by Dhaka Additional Divisional Commissioner Azmul Haque.

The notices directed the NCP leaders to remove all billboards across the city by 9:30am today. They were also asked to explain why punitive action should not be taken against them for breaching election rules, with a deadline of 11:00am to submit their responses.