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Published : 26 Apr 2026, 09:21 PM
An appeal has been filed with the Election Commission (EC) seeking cancellation of BNP candidate Madhabi Marma’s nomination for the reserved women’s seats in parliament, while NCP leader Monira Sharmin has moved to restore her candidacy.
Both applications were submitted on Sunday, challenging decisions of the returning officer. Hearings on the pleas are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
The returning officer has declared valid the nomination papers of 49 out of 50 candidates for the reserved seats.
Of them, 36 are from the BNP-led alliance, 12 from the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, and one from an independent coalition.
Monira, joint convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP) from the Jamaat-led alliance, had her nomination cancelled on the ground that three years had not elapsed since her resignation from government service.
She filed her appeal on Sunday, the last day for submitting such petitions.
In her case, the nomination was rejected during scrutiny as she had joined Bangladesh Krishi Bank as an officer (general) in November 2023 and left the job in December last year.
She became NCP joint convenor in March 2025.
Speaking to journalists after filing her appeal, Monira said she had requested restoration of her candidacy.
“The hearing is scheduled for 10:30am on Monday. I had no decision-making authority in my government role, so I do not believe this is grounds for cancellation,” she said.
She also alleged discriminatory treatment of candidates from the Jamaat-led alliance during scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the appeal against Madhabi was filed by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Chandra Chakma, challenging her eligibility on the grounds that she contested while still holding office as a member of the Bandarban Hill District Council.
He told reporters at the EC headquarters that, under law, members of the three hill district councils must resign through a signed letter submitted to the chairman before contesting elections.
“She did not resign. She submitted her nomination papers on the 21st while still holding the post,” he said.
However, Madhabi rejected the allegation, saying she had already resigned and it was approved last week before she submitted her nomination.
According to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), no person can become a member of parliament unless three years have passed since resignation or retirement from public service.
The EC has scheduled hearings on the appeals for Apr 27 and Apr 28. The deadline for withdrawal of candidacy is Apr 29, while symbols will be allocated on Apr 30. The election is set for May 12.
Candidates for reserved women’s seats are usually elected uncontested.
