Voice of People, London, 8 February:
Citing a report published by The Daily Ittefaq, Jamaat‑e‑Islami–backed candidate A.R. Hafiz Ullah from Lakshmipur‑4 (Ramgati–Komolnagar) has claimed that voting for the Scales symbol will guarantee paradise, while not voting for it will be a sin. He made the remarks during a campaign event in his constituency.

According to the Ittefaq report, Hafiz Ullah told voters, “There are widow allowances, old‑age benefits, maternity allowances, disability benefits—do you receive any of these? You don’t. Even fishermen don’t get their ration cards. One group has destroyed the country through corruption, and another group is ready to do the same again. We will not be corrupt. If you vote for the Scales in support of Islam and the Qur’an, you will earn divine reward, and paradise is guaranteed. But if you vote against the Qur’an, you will be sinful. Once they get elected, they will engage in tender manipulation, extortion, and steal money from roads and development projects—that is their work.”

His comments have triggered widespread criticism on social media.
Facebook user Imran Hossain Shakil wrote, “Voting for the Scales guarantees paradise, and not voting is a sin—Jamaat candidate Hafiz Ullah. Na’uzubillah.”
Another user, Shah Alam Samrat, commented, “Scales candidates are acting as if they own the keys to paradise. Na’uzubillah.”

Md. Main Uddin wrote, “This is how they deceive ordinary people. Hafiz bhai, how long will you keep fooling people? If you can truly give a ticket to paradise, I promise my first vote will be for you.”

Although nine candidates are officially contesting in Lakshmipur‑4, only four are actively campaigning:

• ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan (BNP, Paddy Sheaf)
• Khaled Saifullah (Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Hand Fan)
• Advocate Milon Mondol (BASAD, Sickle)
• A.R. Hafiz Ullah (Jamaat‑e‑Islami, Scales)