HC bars BNP’s Gafur from contesting Cumilla-10

The High Court on today (22 January) rejected a writ petition filed by BNP-nominated candidate Md Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan, upholding the Election Commission’s decision to cancel his candidacy for the Cumilla-10 constituency over dual citizenship issues.

A High Court bench of Justice Razik-Al-Jalil and Justice Md Anowarul Islam passed the order, effectively barring Gafur from contesting the national election, according to court sources.

Barrister Fida M Kamal and Barrister Ruhul Quddus represented the BNP candidate, while Advocate Yusuf Ali appeared for the Election Commission.

Earlier, on 18 January, the Election Commission rejected Gafur’s candidacy following an appeal hearing at its office.

Kazi Nure Alam Siddiqui, a candidate of Bangladesh Cultural Muktijot, filed the appeal.

After hearing both sides, the commission formally cancelled Gafur’s nomination.

On 20 January, Gafur challenged the EC’s decision at the High Court.