Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has declared the nomination papers of several heavyweight political leaders valid, while cancelling or rejecting a few others, following scrutiny ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s nominations were declared valid in Bogra-6 (Sadar) and Dhaka-17 constituencies.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bogra District Returning Officer Md. Taufiqur Rahman confirmed the validity of Tarique Rahman’s nomination papers. In Dhaka-17, Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury announced that out of 17 nominations, 10 were accepted, including those of Tarique Rahman and Jamaat-e-Islami candidate SM Khaliduzzaman. Seven nomination papers were rejected for various reasons. BNP Chairperson’s advisory council member and freedom fighter Abdus Salam represented Tarique Rahman during the scrutiny.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s nomination was also declared valid in Dhaka-15. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s nomination was declared valid in Thakurgaon-1 constituency. District Returning Officer Irshat Farzana stated that the nominations of Delwar Hossain (Jamaat-e-Islami) and Khademul Islam (Islami Andolan Bangladesh) were also accepted. Out of 21 nomination papers in Thakurgaon’s three constituencies, one was cancelled and three remained suspended while scrutiny in Thakurgaon-2 and Thakurgaon-3 is ongoing.
In Dhaka-11, the nominations of Nahid Islam (12-party alliance candidate and NCP convener) and BNP nominee Dr. MA Qayyum were declared valid. Dhaka-11 comprises Rampura, Badda, and Bhatara areas. Meanwhile, the nomination of Tasnim Zara, an independent candidate for Dhaka-9 and former NCP leader, was cancelled due to discrepancies in voter signatures. The Returning Officer stated that during random verification, two of 10 sampled signatories were not voters of Dhaka-9. Tasnim Zara indicated the issue arose from voter area confusion and announced plans to appeal the decision.
Additionally, Anisul Islam Mammud, president of a faction of the Jatiya Party and candidate for Chittagong-5, was disqualified as the signature on his party nomination paper did not match official records. According to the Election Commission schedule, scrutiny of nomination papers will continue till tomorrow.