The appeal hearings against the Returning Officers’ decisions on nomination papers for the 13th National Parliament elections concluded yesterday, resulting in 417 candidates regaining their eligibility. With this development, the total number of valid candidates now stands at 2,253. Candidates have until 20 January to withdraw, and symbols will be assigned to the contesting candidates on 21 January.

While several high-profile candidates successfully reclaimed their nominations, some others were ultimately disqualified. In Chattogram-4, BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination was upheld, whereas in Chattogram-2, the nomination of fellow BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir was annulled. The Election Commission (EC) conducted the appeal hearings at the Election Bhaban under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, with four other commissioners present.

Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination had initially been validated by the Returning Officer, but an appeal was lodged against it. After a thorough hearing, the EC rejected the appeal, confirming Chowdhury’s candidature. Regarding candidates with dual citizenship, the EC declared all nominations valid except for two BNP aspirants. However, nominations for the BNP candidates in Comilla-3 (suspended) and Comilla-10 were cancelled.

In Chattogram-2, Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination had initially been approved by the Returning Officer. However, an appeal filed by Jamaat candidate Mohammad Nurul Amin led the EC to cancel Alamgir’s candidature.

Other notable confirmations included BNP candidates such as Abdul Awal Mintu in Feni-3, who faced allegations of dual citizenship but had submitted the necessary citizenship cancellation and fees within the stipulated time, and independent candidates like Mizanur Rahman in Dhaka-4 and former minister Latif Siddiqui in Tangail-4, whose nominations were reinstated.

Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, representing Mizanur Rahman, explained that the Returning Officer had initially disqualified him due to incomplete verification of supporting voters. After presenting affidavits from verified supporters, the EC restored his candidature. Mizanur Rahman expressed his determination to contest, citing his commitment to improving the lives of Dhaka-4 residents despite widespread voter apathy.

A citizen named Mamun Hawladar submitted a written petition to the CEC, urging strict adherence to Supreme Court rulings regarding the eligibility of candidates with dual citizenship, raising constitutional concerns over some nominations.

Summary of Appeal Outcomes

The appeal process has clarified the status of many high-profile and controversial candidates, setting the stage for a competitive election scheduled for the coming months.