BNP Candidate Challenges Hasnat Abdullah's Nomination Amid Personal Disqualification Risks

In a significant turn of events for the Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency, BNP candidate Manjurul Ahsan Munshi has filed an application with the Election Commission (EC) seeking the cancellation of Hasnat Abdullah's nomination. Hasnat Abdullah is the Southern Regional Chief Organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP).

Munshi submitted the challenge on Friday (January 9), the final day for appeals and objections regarding candidacy for the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

However, Munshi’s own candidacy is now in jeopardy following a Supreme Court Chamber Court ruling. On Thursday, the court stayed a previous High Court order that had removed Munshi's name from the loan defaulter list. Representing Premier Bank, lawyers stated that following this judicial intervention by Justice Md. Rezaul Huq, Munshi will be officially identified as a loan defaulter, rendering him ineligible to contest the upcoming election.

Today marks the deadline for filing appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers. According to the Election Commission, hearings for these appeals are scheduled to commence on January 10 and will continue until January 18. The final status of both Hasnat Abdullah and Manjurul Ahsan Munshi will be determined during this hearing period.