The Election Commission (EC) has approved 49 out of 53 nomination papers for the upcoming election of reserved women’s seats in the 13th national parliament on May 12. The announcement was made by Returning Officer Md Moin Uddin Khan at the EC auditorium, revealing that four nominations, including that of Monira Sharmin from the National Citizen Party (NCP), were rejected. Monira Sharmin, a retired official from a government bank, had her nomination cancelled, resulting in a vacant seat that will be contested among all parties and alliances, according to EC officials.
Assistant Returning Officer Md Monir Hossain explained that as per the Jatiya Sangsad (Reserved Women’s Seat) Election Act, 2004, a vacant seat allows all alliances to participate. The approved nominations include 36 candidates from the BNP-led alliance, 12 out of 13 from the Jamaat-led alliance, and one independent candidate.
The nomination papers underwent scrutiny on Wednesday and Thursday. Appeals against the scrutiny can be lodged between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on April 26, with the EC set to address appeals on April 27 and 28. The deadline for withdrawal of candidature is April 29. Symbol allocation will take place on April 30, followed by the final announcement.
Monira’s nomination was revoked by the EC due to her retirement from Bangladesh Krishi Bank, a statutory public authority, less than three years ago. According to Article 12(1)(c) of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), individuals from statutory public authorities must wait three years post-resignation or retirement before running for elections. Moin Uddin clarified that Monira can appeal the decision, and the commission will review it accordingly.
Monira stated she intends to challenge the decision, arguing that the law should not apply to her as a former 10th-grade bank officer, different from the intended category of officials. The matter of voting necessity will be addressed by the EC post-withdrawals, as stated by Moin Uddin.
