Independent candidate Mohammad Arifur Rahman (Dolan) has regained his candidacy for the Faridpur-1 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election.
The Election Commission (EC) cleared his nomination during an appeal hearing at the Election Building in Agargaon on Thursday afternoon. Previously, the local returning officer had canceled his nomination, citing discrepancies in the signatures of two individuals within the mandatory 1% voters' list.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Dolan expressed his satisfaction with the EC’s decision. "I was able to prove that the support and signatures I submitted were genuine," he said.
Dolan, a veteran journalist and editor of Dhaka Times, called for a level playing field. "I hope the administration and law enforcement will ensure a free and fair environment until the polls are held on February 12," he added.
Arifur Rahman Dolan is a well-known figure in the Faridpur-1 region (comprising Alfadanga, Boalmari, and Madhukhali). In the 12th parliamentary election, he contested as an independent and secured 84,989 votes.
Aside from his political career, Dolan is a prominent member of the National Press Club and has held senior editorial positions at Prothom Alo, Bangladesh Pratidin, and BanglaVision.
The 13th national election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 12, with voting hours set from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The Election Commission (EC) overturned the local returning officer’s decision on January 15, 2026, confirming that Mohammad Arifur Rahman Dolan met the 1% voter support requirement. He is now a valid independent candidate for the Faridpur-1 seat.
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