The scrutiny of nomination papers for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the national referendum, scheduled to be held on February 12, has been completed.
Of the 238 nomination papers submitted for 20 parliamentary constituencies in Dhaka district, returning officers have declared 161 as valid. The nomination papers of 81 candidates were cancelled due to a lack of required documents and information.
The decisions were taken during the scrutiny process that began at 10am on Saturday (3 January) at three separate offices in the capital. The Dhaka Divisional Commissioner, the Dhaka District Commissioner, and the Regional Election Officer of Dhaka conducted the scrutiny separately as returning officers for the constituencies. As a result, 161 nominations were declared valid, 81 were rejected, and the candidacy of one applicant was suspended.
According to sources at the offices of the returning officers, a significant number of nominations were cancelled mainly due to improper or incomplete party authorization letters (nomination certificates), missing signatures or documents in affidavits, loan default status, and concealment of information regarding criminal cases.
Under the revised schedule announced by the Election Commission, the scrutiny of nomination papers, which began on 30 December, concludes on Sunday. Candidates whose nominations have been cancelled may appeal the returning officer’s decision between Monday and Friday. The appeals will be disposed of from Saturday to 18 January. The last date for withdrawal of candidacy is 20 January. The final list of candidates will be published and electoral symbols allocated on 21 January. Election campaigning will begin on 22 January and may continue until 7:30am on 10 February. Voting will take place on 12 February.
It is noteworthy that the national referendum will be held on the same day alongside the parliamentary election.
