Application of Jatiya Party’s Ruhul Amin Howlader rejected over loan defaults

Jatiya Party Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader’s application to run from the Patuakhali-1 seat has been rejected by election officials for ‘loan defaults’.

Patuakhali Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Matiul Islam Chowdhury made the announcement on Sunday during the scrutiny of the nomination forms.

Dhaka-based Social Islami Bank Ltd has submitted a written statement saying that Howlader had outstanding loans at its Gulshan branch, Chowdhury told reporters.

He said Howlader’s lawyer Tofael Ahmed had requested more time to get the papers in order. He was given until 4pm to do so and then Howlader’s nomination was rejected.

According to the Election Commission’s regulations, Howlader will be able to appeal the decision in three days.

Former State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Shajahan Miah received the Awami League’s nomination for the Patuakhali seat, while the BNP has nominated Altaf Hossain Chowdhury and Suraiya Akhtar Chowdhury. The returning officer declared their nominations valid.

Several Jatiya Party leaders had alleged that Howlader had sold nominations for the party at exorbitant prices. Howlader says the claims are propaganda against him.