Dhaka: The Election Commission will begin accepting appeals on the rejection and validation of nomination papers for the 13th Parliamentary Election from today. Hearing on these appeals is scheduled to take place in the EC auditorium from January 10 to 18.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Election Commission (EC) Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced that aspirants whose nomination papers were rejected, as well as individuals aggrieved with the validation of any nomination paper, can appeal to the Commission. The appeal filing process will continue until January 9, 2026. Ahmed shared these details with reporters after inspecting an appeal filing center at the EC’s office in Agargaon.
Out of 2,568 nomination papers filed for the upcoming national elections, 1,842 candidacies were declared valid after scrutiny, and nomination papers of 723 individuals were canceled due to various errors. Additionally, the EC Secretary mentioned that three nomination papers in favor of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia were processed without scrutiny due to her demise.
The appeal process was explained by the EC Secretary, noting that aggrieved individuals can contest the decisions of returning officers. Ahmed emphasized that any person with specific information and evidence can file an appeal, which the commission will then review. The EC Secretary assured that the commission would receive and examine the appeal papers before making final decisions.
Addressing potential complications related to affidavits and the deposition of one percent voter support for independent candidates, Ahmed stated that any inconsistencies or grievances would be reviewed during the hearings. Regarding allegations of dual citizenship, Ahmed clarified that media reports alone would not suffice as evidence, and the commission would require specific proof to investigate such claims.