HC issues rule seeking explanation on rejection of Monira Sharmin’s candidacy

The High Court (HC) Division of the Supreme Court has issued a rule asking the authorities to explain why the rejection of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Joint Convener Monira Sharmin’s nomination for the 13th national parliamentary election should not be declared illegal.

A bench comprising Justice Razik Al Jalil and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury issued the rule on Wednesday (May 6).

The court sought explanations from the concerned authorities over the decision that led to the cancellation of her candidacy during the scrutiny process.

According to case documents, the returning officer rejected Monira Sharmin’s nomination on April 23 on the grounds that she had not completed the mandatory three-year gap after resigning from government service. She later filed an appeal with the Election Commission.

Her appeal was heard at the Election Bhaban on April 27, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin, but was subsequently dismissed.

Following the rejection, she filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the decision.

Lawyers Ahsanul Karim and Mohammad Hossain Lipu represented the petitioner during the hearing.