High Court dismisses petition against BNP’s Quayum, clears Dhaka-11 race

The High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition challenging the candidacy of BNP nominee MA Quayum, clearing the way for him to contest the Dhaka-11 parliamentary seat.

The bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Asif Hasan rejected the plea filed by Nahid Islam, chief of the National Citizens Party and a candidate of the Jamaat-e-Islami–led 11-party alliance.

Nahid had sought a stay on the Election Commission’s decision validating Quayum’s nomination. He alleged that Quayum concealed his citizenship of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu in his election affidavit.

After hearing the arguments, the court found no grounds to interfere and dismissed the petition, allowing Quayum to remain in the race.