Presiding officer removed for signing result sheet before counting

A presiding officer in Naogaon has been removed from duty after allegedly signing and stamping a result sheet before voting ended.

The incident took place around 12pm on Thursday at the Katkhair High School polling centre in Naogaon Sadar upazila.

The officer, Nazim Uddin, an assistant engineer at the Naogaon Roads and Highways Department, was ordered to step down by Assistant Returning Officer and Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Ibnul Abedin around 1:30pm.

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Eyewitnesses said Nazim Uddin signed and stamped the result sheet while voting was still underway.

Election rules stipulate that result sheets must be completed and signed only after counting, in the presence of polling agents. Officials said pre-signing could indicate preparation for manipulation.

Nazim Uddin admitted signing early to save time but claimed he was unaware it violated regulations. A new presiding officer has been appointed to the centre.