Approved candidates for participation in the election: 2,253

The appeals hearings regarding the scrutiny of nomination papers for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections concluded yesterday, resulting in the reinstatement of 417 candidates. This brings the total number of valid candidates to 2,253. Aspirants have until 20 January to withdraw, and rival candidates are set to receive their election symbols on 21 January.

While several prominent candidates successfully regained their candidacy through the appeal process, a few others were disqualified. In Chattogram-4, BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination was upheld. However, in Chattogram-2, the nomination of BNP’s Sarwar Alamgir was annulled. The Election Commission (EC) conducted the hearings at the election office, reviewing appeals against decisions made by returning officers. Over 400 candidates from various political parties and independents had their nominations reinstated.

The appeals panel, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin and including four election commissioners, confirmed the validity of several candidates’ nominations. Although Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination had initially been approved by the returning officer, an appeal had been filed against him. The EC dismissed the appeal, thereby upholding the officer’s decision. For candidates with dual citizenship, the EC declared all nominations valid except for two BNP candidates, including annulments in Cumilla-3 and Cumilla-10.

In Chattogram-2, Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination had initially been deemed valid, but an appeal by Jamaat candidate Mohammad Nurul Amin succeeded, resulting in Alamgir’s disqualification. Similarly, in Feni-3, BNP candidate Abdul Awal Mintu’s nomination was upheld after the EC rejected an appeal questioning his dual citizenship, noting he had applied to renounce foreign nationality and submitted the required deposit before the deadline.

Notably, high-profile independent candidates also regained eligibility. Mizanur Rahman of Dhaka-4 and former minister Latif Siddiqui of Tangail-4 had their nominations reinstated. Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua explained that Mizanur’s nomination had been initially annulled due to discrepancies in verifying supporting voters. Following in-person affidavits confirming support, the EC validated his nomination, allowing him to contest freely. Mizanur expressed cautious optimism, saying that while public enthusiasm exists, scepticism remains, yet he is committed to improving the lives of Dhaka-4 residents.

The EC has faced criticism over dual citizenship issues, with a citizen filing a petition claiming constitutional and Supreme Court directives were violated. The petition urges the commission to strictly follow high court instructions regarding dual nationality candidates.

Summary of Key Appeal Decisions

With nomination appeals now largely resolved, attention turns to the remaining withdrawal period and the forthcoming distribution of election symbols, setting the stage for the next phase of the national elections.