The Election Commission (EC) has declared the nomination of Tasnim Jara valid after she filed an appeal against the cancellation of her nomination papers.
She is contesting the 13th parliamentary election as an independent candidate.
Tasnim Jara is running as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-9 constituency. Her nomination was upheld at a hearing that started from morning today, Saturday.
After her candidacy was declared valid, Tasnim Jara spoke to journalists. She said, “Our appeal to the Election Commission has been accepted. The nomination papers I submitted as an independent candidate from Dhaka-9 have been declared valid.”
She added, “Over the past week, I have gone through a very different experience. People at home and abroad have sent their best wishes and prayers. When I spoke to people on the streets, many expressed disappointment and regret, but also offered their prayers.” So, she thanked everyone involved in the campaign for their support.
Tasnim Jara also said she would apply for her preferred football symbol as an independent candidate, adding that the final decision on the matter would rest with the Election Commission. She expressed her gratitude to the Election Commission for restoring her candidacy.
The independent candidate was previously a senior joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP). She left the party amid controversy over the NCP forming an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties for the parliamentary election.
She later submitted her nomination papers to contest the Dhaka-9 seat as an independent candidate.
On 3 January, following scrutiny of nomination papers, the returning officer had declared Tasnim Jara’s nomination invalid. Dhaka Division’s Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) Md Ajmal Hossain said that 4,300 signatures were required from registered voters, which had been met, with even more signatures submitted.
However, verification found that of the 10 individuals listed as proposer and supporters, eight were voters from the Dhaka-9 constituency, while two were not. As a result, under electoral rules, the nomination was cancelled. At the time, the oficial noted that Tasnim Jara had the right to appeal.
Candidates, whose nominations were cancelled at the local level, and their representatives, are taking part in the appeal hearings, which began at 10:00 am today and will continue until 5:00 pm. The hearings are being held at the Election Commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The Election Commission has said that a total of 645 appeals have been filed with it against decisions made by returning officers during scrutiny of nomination papers for the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
The process of accepting appeals began on 5 January and concluded on 9 January (Friday). As many as 176 appeals were submitted on the final day alone.
Appeal hearings at the Election Commission will continue until 18 January. Today, appeals numbered 1 to 70 are being heard. On Sunday, appeals numbered 71 to 140 will be heard, followed by appeals 141 to 210 on Monday and 211 to 280 on Tuesday.
Hearings are taking place daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Nirbachan Bhaban auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka. Dates for subsequent hearings will be announced soon.