Bogura: Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna on Sunday regained his candidacy for Bogura-2 constituency as the Election Commission declared his nomination paper valid after hearing his appeal petition. The Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, accepted his appeal petition filed, challenging the decision of the returning officer that cancelled his nomination paper submitted in Bogura-2 constituency (Shibganj Upazila).

According to United News of Bangladesh, the Election Commission, acting as the electoral appeal tribunal, heard Manna’s petition and announced the decision at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Manna, in an immediate reaction, suggested there was a conspiracy behind the cancellation of his nomination, which he believes has ultimately failed. He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and maintained his belief that the conspiracy would not succeed.

Manna emphasized that the purpose of scrutinizing nomination papers is not to exclude candidates but to allow them to correct immediately correctable mistakes. He mentioned his past electoral contests from Bogura and affirmed his intention to run again.

Addressing allegations of bank loan default, Manna dismissed them as completely false. He accused an official from Islami Bank’s Bogura Borogola branch of creating a fake notice, leading to disciplinary action against the official after Manna contacted the bank’s head office. Manna noted that this information did not surface in the media.

Without naming any rivals, Manna remarked that while political competition is expected, attempting to defeat opponents through unfair tactics is not true politics. He stated, “You cannot win through conspiracy.”

Manna expressed satisfaction with the Election Commission’s commitment to inclusive politics, criticizing the mentality of excluding opponents to secure victory as detrimental to democracy. He also addressed support from the BNP, noting that although their nominated candidate has not yet withdrawn, he hopes for a natural withdrawal due to his earlier formal announcement.

Manna had submitted nomination papers for both Bogura-2 and Dhaka-18 for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. While his nomination paper for Dhaka-18 was accepted, the Bogura-2 nomination was initially cancelled on the grounds of bank loan default during scrutiny by returning officers.