In a dramatic turn of events, Masuda Momin, a BNP nomination-aspirant for Bogra 3 constituency, regained her candidacy after she filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking its directives on the matter.
The High Court bench of Justice JBM Hassan and Justice Md Khairul Alam, on Thursday, directed the returning officer (RO) of Bogra to accept Masuda Momin’s nomination and allocate the party’s electoral symbol to her.
Masuda Momin’s lawyer Barrister Ferdous Alam Alfa confirmed the matter to the Dhaka Tribune, adding that the Election Commission, or the state, can move to appeal against the High Court verdict on Sunday.
Previously, BNP’s high command nominated three people for Bogra 3 constituency. They are former member of parliament—and a fugitive in a war crimes case—Abdul Momin Talukder Khoka, his wife Masuda Momin, and his brother Adamdighi upazila Chairman Abdul Muhit Talukder.
However, Muhit’s nomination was scrapped by the Election Comission during the December 2 scrutiny as he had not resigned from his post as upazila chairman. Later, Abdul Momin withdrew his nomination, and Muhit regained his candidacy following a High Court order.
BNP’s high command then nominated Muhit as the final candidate, removing Masuda Momin.
On December 17, a chamber court of the Appellate Division stayed the High Court order that allowed Muhit to run for the polls.
Meanwhile, Masuda Momin moved the High Court on December 20, and filed a petition seeking to regain her candidacy.
After a hearing, the High Court ordered the returning officer of Bogra to reinstate Masuda’s candidacy and allocate the party’s sheaf of paddy symbol to her.
