Pran Gopal Datta goes to parliament as Comilla 7 MP

Pran Gopal Datta, a former vice chancellor of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, was elected to parliament from the Comilla 7 constituency.

Two of the respected doctor's opponents dropped out, while another had their application denied, leaving the Awami League candidate unopposed, according to media reports.

Md Dulal Talukder, the returning officer and regional election officer, announced Datta's uncontested victory and also issued a public notice on Monday morning.

Former deputy speaker Md Ali Ashraf, who died on July 30, represented the Comilla 7 constituency, which included Chandina Upazila. From the constituency, he had been elected to parliament five times.

On Sept 2, the Election Commission set Oct 7 as the date for the bypoll. However, because Datta was the only candidate, the election was called for him.

Six candidates bought applications for the Comilla 7 election, according to the returning officer.

Also Read - Dr Pran Gopal Datta gets Awami League nomination for Comilla 7 by-polls

Two of them never submitted the application in its entirety. Of the four who did, NAP candidate Monirul Islam and the Jatiya Party’s Lutfor Reza Khokon later withdrew. During the Election Commission's scrutiny on September 14, independent candidate Saleh Siddiqi's application was denied.

On Sunday evening, the election returning officer sent a report on the matter to the Election Commission, as required by law.

Then, on Monday, Datta was declared the unchallenged winner in a public notification.

Pran Gopal Datta is an otolaryngologist who specializes in ear, nose, and throat problems. For his services to medical service, he was awarded the Independence Award.

He was also Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's personal physician.