Dhaka, Jan 10 (V7N)- The Election Commission (EC) has declared the nomination of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate and central assistant secretary general AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad valid for the Cox’s Bazar-2 (Moheshkhali–Kutubdia) constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The decision was taken after a hearing held on Friday (January 10), according to EC sources.

Earlier, on January 2, the Returning Officer and Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan had rejected Hamidur Rahman Azad’s nomination, citing complications related to information provided in his election affidavit.

According to the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission, 72 cases had been filed against the Jamaat leader in the past. Of these, 70 cases have been acquitted, discharged, or withdrawn, while two cases are currently pending.

One of the pending cases was filed under the Explosive Substances Act at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Dhaka, which has since been stayed by the High Court, the affidavit stated.

After reviewing the documents and hearing the arguments, the Election Commission found the nomination to be valid and overturned the earlier decision of the Returning Officer.

With this ruling, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad is now eligible to contest the election from the Cox’s Bazar-2 constituency.

END/SMA/AJ