58 regain candidacy on second day of EC appeal hearings

Bangla Press Desk:   A total of 58 candidates have regained eligibility to contest the upcoming 13th parliamentary polls after appealing against decisions made by returning officers during scrutiny.

The Election Commission restored their candidacy on Sunday during the second day of hearings at the auditorium of Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Confirming the figures on reinstated candidacies, EC Director (Public Relations) Md Ruhul Amin Mollik said seven of the appeals were rejected, while six remained pending.

Hearings on appeal petitions numbered 71-140 were scheduled for Sunday.

On the same day, the commission approved the appeal of Md Mohiuddin, an independent candidate for Munshiganj-3, restoring his candidacy. His appeal remained pending on Saturday. 

The EC is scheduled to hear appeals numbered 141-210 on Monday.

On Saturday, a total of 52 appeal petitions were accepted, while 15 were rejected, and three remained pending.

Of the 52 appeals granted, 51 were against the cancellation of nomination papers, while one was upheld against the acceptance of a nomination. 

On 11 December, the Election Commission announced the schedule to arrange the 13th national election and the referendum on the July National Charter on 12 February.

According to the schedule, the commission will settle the appeals by 18 January.

The last date for the withdrawal of candidature is 20 January. The election campaign will start on 22 January and continue until 7:30am on 10 February.

BP/SP