The High Court on Monday reinstated the candidacy of Barisal-5 independent candidate Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah ahead of the upcoming 12th national parliamentary elections.
An HC bench of Justice Md Iqbal Kabir and Justice SM Moniruzzaman passed the order after hearing of a writ petition filed by Sadiq Abdullah.
Earlier on December 6, EC cancelled the candidacy of Sadiq Abdullah, also former Barisal mayor, over dual citizenship.
He sought the Awami League nomination for the seat, but Zahid Faruk, 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.
However, Zahid Faruk appealed to the EC to cancel Sadiq Abdullah's nomination, citing dual citizenship in the United States and alleged concealment of wealth information in the affidavit.
Simultaneously, Sadiq Abdullah appealed to the EC to cancel Zahid Faruk's candidature.
Following the hearing, the election commission upheld Zahid Faruk's appeal on 15 December, deciding to reject Sadiq Abdullah's appeal. Consequently, Sadiq Abdullah's candidacy was cancelled.
In response, Sadiq Abdullah filed the writ in the High Court challenging the validity of the election commission's decision on Sunday.
However, the apex court upheld the commission’s decision to scrap the candidacies of two other ruling party leaders - Shammi Ahmed of Bairsal-4 and Shamim Haque of Faridpur-3.
However, the apex court upheld the commission’s decision to scrap the candidacies of two other ruling party leaders - Shammi Ahmed of Bairsal-4 and Shamim Haque of Faridpur-3.
Following the court’s order, the followers of Sadiq Abdullah have expressed their excitement in Barisal.
His supporters were seen bringing out processions in various streets and wards of the Barisal city on Monday.
On the other hand, as the nomination of Sadiq was reinstated, the supporters of the boat symbol and official Awami League candidate Zahid Faruk, started their election campaign as well in support of their candidate.
Meanwhile, the supporters of Sadiq were also seen going to the office of the returning officer and waiting in favour of Sadiq Abdullah, hoping to get a symbol.
Deputy Commissioner Shahidul Islam, also returning officer, said that as he did not get the copy of official order from the court at his hand, he could not allot a symbol for Sadiq Abdullah.
The returning officer allocated symbols to 35 valid candidates on Monday.
The symbols were allotted from 10am to 1pm in the conference room of the DC.
The returning officer urged the candidates to participate and hold the election peacefully following code of conduct.
