BNP’s Aslam says Appellate Division verdict ‘did not reflect people’s aspirations’

The verdict sparks uncertainty over whether the seat will see a fresh vote or a new winner

BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury has said the Appellate Division's verdict, which cancelled his candidacy due to loan default despite his win in the Chattogram-4 constituency in the parliament polls, did not reflect public desire.

He shared this reaction via a video message hours after Tuesday's verdict.

A four-member bench led by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury delivered the verdict, suspending the election results.

This means Aslam will no longer be able to take the oath as an elected MP.

The verdict, however, did not clarify whether the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate who received the second-highest number of votes in that constituency will be declared the winner or whether a fresh election will be held there.

After news of the verdict broke, Aslam's followers blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Sitakunda Upazila in the afternoon.

They threw tree trunks in different locations, halting traffic until the evening.

Aslam said, "The full verdict of the Appellate Division has not been published yet. If there is any legal issue in it, we’ll have the opportunity to review everything together.

“I believe that through the review, the verdict of the people will be reflected and we will be victorious."

The BNP leader, nevertheless, said the judiciary had functioned independently through the verdict.