21 out of 29 candidates who contested in four constituencies of Laxmipur have forfeited their election deposits after failing to secure the minimum required votes in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Under the rules set by the Election Commission (EC), a candidate must obtain at least one-eighth of the total valid votes cast in a constituency to retain their deposit.
According to the results, all four seats, Laxmipur-1 (Ramganj), Laxmipur-2 (Raipur and part of Sadar), Laxmipur-3 (Sadar) and Laxmipur-4 (Ramgati–Kamalnagar), were won by BNP-backed candidates.
However, the majority of contenders from smaller political parties and independent platforms failed to reach the required vote threshold.
Voter turnout across the four constituencies ranged between 57 and 61 per cent. Despite competitive races in some seats, particularly between major alliance candidates, a significant number of contestants secured only a small fraction of the total votes.
After verification of official result sheets signed by the district returning officer, Deputy Commissioner (DC) S M Mehedi Hasan confirmed the incident on Saturday.
Election officials said the forfeiture of deposits was automatic and in accordance with electoral laws, as the candidates concerned did not meet the stipulated vote requirement.
RH/AM
