EC clears nomination of Sultanul Islam Tareq in Rajshahi-1

The Election Commission (EC) has declared valid the nomination of Advocate Md Sultanul Islam Tareq, an independent candidate in the Rajshahi-1 constituency (Tanore–Godagari).

The decision was announced on Thursday (January 15) following an appeal hearing held at the EC Secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka. The commission allowed the appeal, overturning its earlier decision to cancel the nomination.

Reacting to the verdict, Tareq said his nomination was restored by the grace of Almighty Allah and the prayers of party leaders and supporters. He also criticised the legal requirement mandating independent candidates to submit signatures from one-third of the constituency’s voters, calling it discriminatory and urging a review of the provision.

GodagariUpazila BNP Senior Vice-President Enamul Haque Choyon said the restoration of Tarek’s nomination has renewed enthusiasm among local voters.

According to his election affidavit, Sultanul Islam Tareq is an industrialist with an annual income of Tk 54.84 lakh and total assets worth Tk 5.17 lakh. His wife’s annual income stands at Tk 11.31 lakh, with assets worth Tk 1.53 lakh. Assets and annual income declared in the name of his child amount to Tk 87.70 lakh and Tk 12.02 lakh respectively.

The EC had cancelled Tarek’s nomination on January 3 citing discrepancies in voter signatures submitted with his nomination papers.