Jhalokathi, Jan 04 (V7N) — Nomination papers of eight candidates contesting the 13th National Parliamentary Election in Jhalokathi-1 (Rajapur–Kathalia) and Jhalokathi-2 (Jhalokathi Sadar and Nalchity) constituencies were rejected during the scrutiny process.

The scrutiny was conducted on Saturday (January 3) from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, in the presence of candidates and their representatives. After reviewing the submissions, Returning Officer Md. Momin Uddin announced the rejection of eight nomination papers out of a total of 25 candidates.

In Jhalokathi-1 constituency, nomination papers were rejected for Mostafizur Rahman Iran of the Labour Party for failing to sign the nomination form; independent candidate (BNP-backed) Golam Azam Saikat due to discrepancies in signatures of one percent of voters; independent candidate (BNP) Moin Alam Firozi for including a deceased person’s signature; Shahadat Hossain of Gono Odhikar Parishad for not submitting educational certificates; and independent candidate and BNP leader Colonel Mostafizur Rahman for discrepancies in one percent voter signatures and failure to clear outstanding loans.

In Jhalokathi-2 constituency, nomination papers were rejected for Jatiya Party candidate M A Quddus Khan for failing to repay loans; independent candidate Md. Nuruddin Sardar due to discrepancies in one percent voter signatures; and independent candidate Syed Razzak Ali for unpaid income tax dues.

Returning Officer Mohammad Momin Uddin said five nominations were rejected in Jhalokathi-1 and three in Jhalokathi-2. He added that candidates whose nominations were rejected have the right to appeal to the Election Commission in accordance with the law.

The scrutiny process was attended by Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner Md. Kawsar Hossain, Additional District Magistrate Md. Touhid Hossain, District Election Officer Mohammad Zahid Hossain, along with contesting candidates and their representatives.

END/AIJ/SMA/