Dhaka: BNP on Tuesday expressed concerns regarding the disqualification of candidates’ nomination papers due to issues related to dual citizenship and the alleged manipulation of postal ballots to disadvantage the party.
According to United News of Bangladesh, BNP’s Central Election Steering Committee Chairman, Nazrul Islam Khan, led a four-member delegation to meet with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban. The delegation raised issues about the requirement for proof of renouncing foreign citizenship, which has led to the cancellation of candidates’ nominations, affecting not only BNP candidates but also those from other parties. Khan emphasized that the Constitution permits individuals to contest elections once they have relinquished foreign citizenship, without the need for additional proof.
Khan cited the disqualification of Jamaat-e-Islami candidates as an example of how this requirement has been applied inconsistently. He argued for equal treatment of all candidates in the r
eview process. Many candidates, he noted, had been forced to leave the country and acquire foreign citizenship during a previous regime but have since returned and renounced that citizenship.
The delegation also expressed concerns about the positioning of BNP’s name and symbol on postal ballots, which they claim makes them less visible. Videos on social media allegedly show members of a political party in Bahrain handling ballots, raising suspicions of irregularities. The Election Commission assured that they are investigating these claims.
Further allegations were made about the collection of voter identification and mobile numbers by another political party, which BNP suggests could be used for voter manipulation. The Election Commission has promised to investigate these allegations as well.
Other delegation members included Ismail Jabiullah, Barrister Ruhul Kuddus Kajol, and Dr. Mohammad Zakaria. The Election Commission has announced that it will hear and resolve appeals related to the cancellation of n
ominations, with 645 petitions to be addressed by January 18.