Hindu Mohajote leader Gobinda regains candidacy in Gopalganj-3

The EC clears his nomination papers after rejection over voter signature mismatch

Gobinda Chandra Pramanik, secretary general of the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote, has had his nomination reinstated for the Gopalganj-3 constituency after filing an appeal with the Election Commission (EC).

On Friday, following a hearing on his appeal, the EC declared the independent candidate’s nomination papers valid.

The Gopalganj-3 seat, which covers Tungipara and Kotalipara Upazilas, has historical significance, with ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina having been elected there eight times.

On Jan 3, after scrutinising nomination papers, the district's Returning Officer Md Arif-uz-Zaman cancelled Gobinda’s nomination due to “discrepancies” in the signatures of one percent of voters required for an independent run.

Speaking after the commission’s decision, Gobinda said: “After overcoming many obstacles, I appealed to the Election Commission. They have now declared my nomination valid.

“In this constituency, I will not compete against other candidates in a divisive way. We will all approach the voters together, and they will elect their preferred representative.”

“I will continue to work for the welfare of the people,” he added.