EC defers decision on Khaleda’s nominations to 5pm

The Election Commission has deferred its decision on the nominations of BNP chief Khaleda Zia for the 11th parliamentary election until later on Saturday.

Though an initial hearing of the appeal was heard by the commission on Saturday afternoon, they decided to delay the decision to a later time.

The participation of Khaleda Zia in the general election will depend upon the decision.

The former prime minister, who is currently in prison, has been nominated for the Feni-1, Bogura-6 and Bogura-7 seats by the party.

Khaleda’s lawyer, former Attorney General AJ Mohammad Ali, requested that all three of Khaleda’s nomination appeals be considered together.

The appeal authority, led by Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, began the hearing at 12:38 and ended it at 1pm.

During the hearing CEC Huda asked Khaleda’s lawyers to present her exact statements. Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam also asked the lawyer about several details.

According to EC Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed, the decision will be finalised once the lawyers’ arguments are heard.

“Appeals no. 385, 478 and 440 will remain pending for now. They will announce the decision at 5pm.”

BNP lawyer Zainul Abedin told journalists: “We hope that the EC will dismiss the illegal decision taken by the returning officers. The decision will be announced at 5pm. We hope the EC will render an impartial verdict and that Khaleda Zia can compete in the polls.”

The nominations of four other BNP leaders – Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar Dulu and Jashore candidate Sabira Sultana – have been dismissed due to jail sentences similar to Khaleda Zia’s. The appeals of these candidates were rejected by the EC.