The Election Commission has declared the nomination papers of six out of eight candidates valid for the Rangamati (299) constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. One candidate’s nomination has been cancelled, while another remains under review pending further verification.
The announcement was made on Thursday following the completion of the official scrutiny process at the office of the Rangamati District Administrator and Returning Officer. Election officials confirmed that all submitted documents were carefully examined in accordance with electoral laws and regulations.
According to sources at the Returning Officer’s office, the nomination of independent candidate Pahel Chakma was cancelled due to his failure to submit signatures from at least 1 per cent of registered voters, a mandatory requirement for independent contenders. Election authorities stated that his nomination papers fell short by 79 valid signatures, rendering them non-compliant with election rules.
Meanwhile, the candidacy of Jasim Uddin, representing Islami Andolon Bangladesh, remains under consideration. Officials explained that records indicate an outstanding water utility bill associated with his name. A final decision on his eligibility is expected to be announced by 5 pm on Thursday, after further document verification.
Following the scrutiny process, the Returning Officer formally declared the nominations of six candidates valid. These candidates represent a diverse range of political parties, reflecting a competitive electoral landscape in the hill district.
List of Candidates with Valid Nominations
| Name | Political Affiliation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dipen Dewan | Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) | Valid |
| Mokhtar Ahmed | Jamaat-e-Islami | Valid |
| M. A. Bashar | Gono Odhikar Parishad | Valid |
| Jui Chakma | Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers Party | Valid |
| Ashok Talukder | Jatiya Party | Valid |
| Abu Bakkar Siddique | Khelafat Majlish | Valid |
Reacting to the cancellation of his nomination, Pahel Chakma told Prothom Alo that he intends to challenge the decision. “My nomination was rejected because my supporter forms were short by 79 signatures. I will file an appeal against this verdict and hope the outcome will be in my favour,” he said.
On the other hand, Jasim Uddin firmly denied having any outstanding water bills. He claimed that the confusion arose due to another individual sharing the same name. “I will submit the necessary documents today to clarify the issue,” he stated, expressing confidence that his nomination would ultimately be approved.
Speaking on behalf of the District Administrator and Returning Officer, Additional District Magistrate Nishat Sharmeen confirmed the overall outcome of the scrutiny process. “A total of eight candidates submitted nomination papers. Six have been declared valid, one nomination has been cancelled, and a decision regarding the remaining candidate will be made by this evening,” she said.
With the nomination scrutiny phase nearing completion, political activity in Rangamati has intensified. Voters and local observers are now keenly watching the next stages of the electoral process, hoping for a transparent and orderly election in this strategically significant constituency.