Dhaka: The Election Commission on Wednesday rejected an appeal challenging the validity of BNP-nominated candidate for Cumilla-6, Monirul Haque Chowdhury, in the upcoming national election.

According to United News of Bangladesh, independent candidate and BNP leader Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid filed a petition with the Election Commission, which serves as the Electoral Appeal Tribunal, contesting the acceptance of Monirul Haque’s nomination paper during scrutiny. Amin Ur Rashid, a former MP, alleged that Monirul Haque failed to disclose information regarding bank loans and his wife’s assets in the affidavit submitted with his nomination paper.

The petition was addressed by the Election Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, which concluded that Monirul Haque’s nomination paper would remain valid. On that day, the Commission heard a total of 100 petitions, with most being granted.

The Commission is set to hear and resolve 645 appeal petitions by January 18, filed by individuals aggrieved by the acceptance or cancellation of nomination papers by returning officers during scrutiny. Out of 2,568 aspirants who submitted nomination papers to contest in the upcoming national election from 300 constituencies, 1,842 nomination papers were declared valid, while 723 were invalidated during the scrutiny process.

The Election Commission announced the election schedule on December 11, planning to conduct the 13th parliamentary election and a referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026. The deadline for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20, with the election campaign commencing on January 22 and continuing until 48 hours before the balloting period begins on February 10 at 7:30 am.