The candidacy of Gonojagoron Moncho Spokesperson Dr Imran H Sarker – running as an independent candidate for Kurigram 4 in the 11th parliamentary election – has been rejected.
Kurigram returning officer and Deputy Commissioner Sultana Parvin announced this on Sunday morning.
The Gonojagoron Moncho spokesperson submitted forms for Kurigram 4 constituency—which is comprised of the Rajibpur, Roumari, and Chilmari upazilas.
Assistant returning officer and Rajibpur upazila Executive Officer Md Mehedi Hasan told the Dhaka Tribune: "To become a candidate in the election, one needs the support of a minimum of one percent of the voters of one’s constituency.
"Imran lacked voters in that regard—which is why the district returning officer rejected his nomination papers."
When asked to comment on the matter, the Gonojagoron Moncho spokesperson said: "This is an unreasonable excuse. My nomination, along with some others, has been rejected to make the election procedure even more complex.
"There is no shortage of voters on our list; perhaps there may be a mistake in the serial number which needs to be rectified."
Responding to a query, Imran said: "I will appeal against the decision of the returning officer."
When is the election?
The 11th general election is scheduled to be held on December 30.
The Election Commission is scrutinizing nomination papers on Sunday. The deadline for withdrawing candidacies is set for December 9.