Dhaka, Jan 10 (V7N) — The Election Commission (EC) has restored the nomination of independent candidate Tasnim Jara for the Dhaka-9 constituency, overturning an earlier decision that had rejected her nomination during initial scrutiny.

Tasnim Jara’s nomination was cancelled following the scrutiny of nomination papers on Saturday (January 3). She subsequently filed an appeal with the Election Commission challenging the decision of the Returning Officer.

On Thursday, the EC declared her nomination valid on the first day of hearings on appeals against the cancellation of candidacies in the upcoming National Parliament election.

Earlier, Tasnim Jara resigned from her post as Senior Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and later announced her decision to contest the election as an independent candidate through a Facebook post. In her message addressed to residents of Khilgaon, Sabujbagh and Mugda, she wrote that she was born and raised in Khilgaon and had long aspired to serve her constituency by entering parliament. However, citing prevailing circumstances, she decided not to contest the election under any party or alliance banner.

Meanwhile, the EC has begun hearings on appeals against nomination cancellations. According to EC sources, 70 appeal applications are scheduled to be heard by 5:00 pm on Thursday.

Earlier, a total of 723 candidates had filed appeals seeking reinstatement of their nominations. Subsequently, 78 candidates withdrew from the election process, leaving 645 appeals for final consideration. Hearings on these appeals will continue until January 18.

The deadline for withdrawing candidacy has been set for January 20, after which election symbols will be finalized and the official campaign period will begin.

END/SMA/AJ