2 Candidates' Nomination Cancelled, 2 Suspended in Scrutiny in Barisal
Multiple candidates faced a major setback in the scrutiny process of nomination papers in Barisal Sadar constituency. The Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner completed this scrutiny process in the presence of candidates on Saturday (January 03). Nomination of two independent candidates was directly cancelled due to loan default. Besides, nomination of two more candidates has been kept suspended due to discrepancies in information and they have been given 24 hours to submit correct documents.
Identity of Cancelled Candidates
The two cancelled candidates are Md. Jashim Uddin and Abdul Khalek. Both are known as local businessmen. According to bank authorities, both have huge amounts of defaulted loans in state-owned banks. They failed to show loan rescheduling papers during the hearing. As a result, they were declared ineligible according to election laws. They immediately protested this decision.
Reason for Suspension
Among those whose nominations have been suspended, one is a candidate of a minor party and the other is independent. Inconsistencies were found in their income sources and tax payment information in their affidavits. The Returning Officer said if they can submit tax clearance certificates and corrected affidavits by tomorrow, their matter will be reconsidered. Otherwise, their nominations will also be cancelled.
List of Valid Candidates
After scrutiny, nominations of a total of 6 persons including candidates of major political parties were declared valid. Among them are candidates from Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party. Valid candidates expressed satisfaction and called for maintaining a fair election environment. They said the Election Commission is performing its duties neutrally, which is praiseworthy.
Opportunity for Appeal
Cancelled candidates can appeal to the Election Commission within the next three days. Md. Jashim Uddin said he would go to the High Court. He claimed he got involved in loan liability as a guarantor, he did not take the loan himself. The Election Commission Secretariat informed that the final candidate list will be published after the appeal hearing.
