Reserved women seats: EC clears 49 out of 53 nominations

The Election Commission (EC) has declared 49 out of 53 nomination papers valid for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament, while NCP leader Monira Sharmin’s nomination was cancelled over eligibility issues.

Returning Officer Md Moin Uddin Khan announced the developments on Thursday afternoon at the EC auditorium following scrutiny of nomination papers.

He said Monira Sharmin’s nomination was rejected as she had not completed the mandatory three-year waiting period after retiring from government service. She previously worked at Bangladesh Krishi Bank, a statutory public authority, and under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), former officials must wait at least three years after retirement before contesting elections.

Officials said that, following the cancellation, one of the reserved women’s seats will be considered vacant and later reopened for fresh nominations by all political parties and alliances.

Of the total nominations, all 36 candidates submitted by the BNP-led alliance were declared valid, while the Jamaat-led alliance submitted 13 nominations, of which 12 were approved and one was cancelled. An independent candidate’s nomination was also accepted.

Monira Sharmin said she would appeal against the decision, arguing that the rule should not apply in her case. “I believe the law does not apply to someone like me, as I served as a bank officer. I will challenge this decision,” she told reporters.

The EC said scrutiny of nomination papers was conducted on April 22 and 23. Appeals can be filed on April 26, with hearings scheduled for April 27 and 28. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 29, while election symbols will be allocated on April 30, after which the final list will be published.