Dhaka-11: HC hearing likely today on writ against BNP candidate Quayum

A High Court hearing may take place today (February 3) on a writ petition challenging the candidacy of BNP-nominated candidate MA Quayum for the Dhaka-11 constituency over allegations of dual citizenship and concealment of information in his affidavit.

The writ petition, filed by NCP-nominated candidate Md Nahid Islam, has been listed as item number 82 before a High Court bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan. The petitioner has sought a stay on Quayum’s candidacy.

Confirming the matter on Monday, lawyer Zahirul Islam Musa said the writ alleged that Quayum holds citizenship of Vanuatu, which he allegedly failed to disclose in his nomination affidavit. The matter reportedly came to light at a later stage.

He said the constitution bars individuals holding dual citizenship from contesting parliamentary elections, and the writ was filed citing both the issue of ineligibility and alleged suppression of information in the affidavit. A hearing is expected on Tuesday.

Dhaka-11 constituency comprises wards 21, 22, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42 of Gulshan area under Dhaka North City Corporation, along with ward 23 of Sabujbagh area. The total number of voters in the constituency stands at 4,39,078, including 2,22,877 male voters, 2,16,198 female voters, and three third-gender voters.

Following initial scrutiny, the returning officer declared Kaiyum’s nomination papers valid on January 3. Kaiyum currently serves as the BNP’s secretary for microcredit affairs.