Pabna, Jan 03 (V7N) — Two independent candidates, both affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have been disqualified during the nomination scrutiny process for the 13th National Parliamentary Election in the Pabna-1 constituency.

The disqualified candidates are Khairun Nahar Khanam, former convener of Sathia Upazila BNP, and Yunus Ali, vice-president of the central Tanti Dal. The decision was announced on Friday afternoon during the nomination verification session held at the conference room of the Pabna District Administration.

District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Shahed Mostafa said that a total of seven candidates submitted nomination papers for constituency number 68, Pabna-1. During verification, irregularities were found in the nomination of independent candidate Khairun Nahar Khanam, including discrepancies in supporter voter lists and signature-related errors, leading to the cancellation of her candidacy.

He further stated that Yunus Ali, who submitted his nomination claiming BNP affiliation, failed to provide official certification from the party chief. In addition, his nomination papers contained errors in supporter voter lists, including incorrect information and missing signatures. As a result, his nomination was also declared invalid.

The returning officer added that the disqualified candidates would have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Election Commission between January 5 and January 9.

The Pabna-1 constituency, comprising four unions and one municipality from Sathia and Bera upazilas, has a total electorate of 340,931 voters. BNP has nominated former Sathia Upazila BNP General Secretary VP Shamsur Rahman as its official candidate. Jamaat-e-Islami has fielded Barrister Najibur Rahman Momen, while Islami Andolon Bangladesh has nominated Abdul Gani.

Independent candidates whose nominations were found valid include Masudul Haque, a member of the Jubo Dal central committee, and former State Minister for Information Professor Abu Sayeed. The returning officer confirmed that their nomination papers met all legal requirements and were accepted as valid.

The nomination scrutiny process is a key step ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, determining the final list of eligible candidates for the constituency.

END/MSR/SMA/