Tasnim Jara, an independent candidate in the Dhaka-9 constituency, has said she will return crowdfunding money to anyone who requests a refund, while expressing confidence that she will succeed in appealing the cancellation of her nomination.
She made the remarks in a video message posted on her verified Facebook page on Saturday night.
Tasnim Jara submitted her nomination papers as an independent candidate for the Dhaka-9 seat in the 13th national parliamentary election. Following scrutiny, the returning officer declared her nomination invalid.
Referring to the decision, she said she had already filed an appeal and remained optimistic about the outcome.
“There are strong legal arguments and past precedents that can be used in the appeal regarding the cancellation of my nomination,” she said.
Addressing concerns among her supporters, Tasnim Jara said many people were worried after hearing the news of the nomination cancellation and were questioning whether she would be able to contest the election.
“We firmly believe that we will win the appeal and contest the election as your supported candidate,” she said, urging supporters not to be disappointed.
Speaking about crowdfunding, she said that when she announced her decision to contest as an independent candidate, she had made it clear that anyone seeking a refund of their donation would receive it.
“So far, 205 people who donated through bKash have requested refunds, and the process of returning their money is underway,” she said.
She added that for those who have not yet requested a refund, a link to a form has been provided in the caption and comments of the video.
“Anyone who requests a refund will get their money back. There is no room for doubt,” she said.
According to the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission, Tasnim Jara collected a total of Tk46.93 lakh through crowdfunding.
She previously served as senior joint member secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP) but resigned in protest against the party’s decision to form an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties ahead of the upcoming national election. She later submitted her nomination papers as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-9 constituency.
