Dhaka-11: Nahid Islam files petition challenging BNP candidate MA Quayum’s eligibility

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance in Dhaka-11, filed a petition in the High Court challenging the eligibility of BNP candidate M A Quayum.

The petition was submitted to the relevant branch of the High Court on Monday (February 2).

Zahirul Islam Musa, lawyer for Nahid Islam and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), said a hearing on the petition is scheduled for later this week.

Musa claimed that Quayum holds citizenship of Vanuatu, a fact allegedly concealed in his affidavit. According to the Constitution, dual citizens are ineligible to contest parliamentary elections.

The petition requests the court to issue a rule and suspend the returning officer’s decision that declared Quayum’s candidacy valid.

Quayum, BNP’s minor loans secretary, had his nomination approved by the returning officer on January 3, following scrutiny at the Divisional Commissioner’s office in the capitals' Segunbagicha.