Dhaka: The High Court on Thursday dismissed a writ petition filed by BNP-nominated candidate Md. Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan. The petition challenged the Election Commission’s decision to revoke his candidacy for the Cumilla-10 constituency, which covers the Lalmai-Nangalkot area, due to issues related to dual citizenship.

According to United News of Bangladesh, a High Court bench consisting of Justice Razik-Al-Jalil and Justice Md Anowarul Islam issued the ruling, effectively prohibiting Bhuiyan from participating in the upcoming national election. The legal defense for the BNP candidate was represented by Barrister Fida M Kamal and Barrister Ruhul Quddus, while Advocate Yusuf Ali appeared on behalf of the Election Commission.

The controversy began on January 18 when, after an appeal hearing at the Election Commission office, Bhuiyan’s candidacy was annulled. The appeal against Bhuiyan was filed by Kazi Nure Alam Siddiqui, a candidate from the Bangladesh Cultural Muktijot (Muktijot) party. The Election Commission, after considering arguments from both sides, decided to cancel Bhuiyan’s nomination.

Subsequently, on January 20, Bhuiyan sought to challenge the Election Commission’s decision by filing a writ at the High Court. However, the court’s rejection of the writ on Thursday means Bhuiyan is now officially barred from contesting the election for the Cumilla-10 seat.