Accept NCP’s Nusrat as Candidate: HC to EC

The High Court has directed the Election Commission of Bangladesh to accept the nomination papers of Nusrat Tabassum, a leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), for the election to reserved women’s seats in parliament.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar passed the order on Monday in response to a writ petition filed by Tabassum.

Earlier, on April 22, the Election Commission of Bangladesh cancelled Tabassum’s nomination on the grounds that her papers were submitted after the stipulated deadline. The commission also suspended the candidacy of another NCP leader, joint convener Monira Sharmin.

April 22 was the final day for submitting nomination papers for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament, with the deadline set at 4pm.

According to officials, Nusrat Tabassum submitted her nomination papers at 4:19pm—19 minutes after the deadline—leading to the rejection of her candidacy.

She later filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking restoration of her candidacy, following which the court issued the directive.