EC upholds BNP alliance candidate Zeba Amina Khan’s nomination validity

The Election Commission (EC) has upheld the validity of the nomination paper of Zeba Amina Khan, a candidate from the BNP-led alliance for a reserved women’s seat, clearing the way for her participation in the election.

The decision came on Monday (April 27) after the Commission dismissed an appeal challenging her candidacy following a hearing held at the Election Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon.

The appeal had raised allegations of dual citizenship and asset concealment. After reviewing arguments from both sides, the EC ruled in favour of maintaining her nomination as valid.

During the hearing, the appellant’s lawyer Barrister Harunur Rashid argued that Zeba Amina Khan still held British citizenship at the time of submitting her nomination papers. He claimed that merely applying for renunciation of citizenship does not immediately terminate it.

He further stated that, under the UK Nationality Act 1981, citizenship renunciation becomes effective only after formal approval by the Home Office, and until then, the previous citizenship remains valid unless another nationality is confirmed.

Following the EC’s decision, Zeba Amina Khan’s legal counsel indicated plans to challenge the ruling in the High Court, citing provisions of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972, which disqualify candidates holding dual citizenship from contesting elections.