Sadiq Abdullah out of election race as top court stays HC order

The chamber judge of the Appellate Division stayed the High Court verdict that declared the candidature of independent candidate Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah of the Barisal-5 constituency valid.

As a result, he will not be able to contest the election, lawyers said.

Justice M Enayetur Rahim passed the order on Tuesday. 

The High Court on Monday reinstated the candidacy of Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah ahead of the upcoming 12th national parliamentary elections.

A High Court bench of Justice Md Iqbal Kabir and Justice SM Moniruzzaman passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by Sadiq Abdullah.

Earlier on December 6, the Election Commission cancelled the candidacy of Sadiq Abdullah, also former Barisal mayor, over dual citizenship.

He sought the Awami League nomination for the seat, but Zaheed Farooque, the current Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Water Resources, secured the party's nomination.

Failing to obtain the party's nomination, Sadiq Abdullah sought nomination as an independent candidate.