Chattogram, Jan 03 (V7N) - Ten candidates were disqualified in Chattogram on Friday following scrutiny of nomination papers for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, citing multiple irregularities including forged signatures, discrepancies in voter endorsements, and failure to submit valid party nominations.

The scrutiny process was conducted at the Chattogram District Administration conference room under the supervision of the district administration.

According to officials, three candidates were disqualified in the Chattogram-1 (Mirsharai) constituency. Among them, independent candidate Mohammad Ashraf Siddiqi was disqualified after authorities found the name and signature of a deceased person in the list of voter signatures submitted with his nomination papers. The matter was verified before the nomination was officially rejected. BNP rebel candidate Shahidul Islam Chowdhury was disqualified for failing to submit a valid party nomination. Meanwhile, Jatiya Party (Zaker) candidate Mohammad Ershad Ullah had his nomination cancelled for violating election rules by acting as his own proposer.

In Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari), nomination papers of four candidates were rejected. The disqualified candidates are independent candidates Jinnat Akhtar and Ahmad Kabir, Khilafat Majlis candidate H.M. Afraf bin Yakub, and Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Rabiul Hasan.

Additionally, three candidates were disqualified in the Chattogram-3 constituency. They include Jatiya Party candidate M.A. Salam, independent candidate Md. Moahedul Mawla, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh candidate Mohammad Amjad Hossain.

Chattogram District Commissioner and Returning Officer Mohammad Jahidul Islam Mia said the nomination papers were cancelled due to various inconsistencies found in the supporting documents submitted with the applications. He added that the disqualified candidates would have the right to file appeals within four days after January 4.

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