Independent candidate Arifur Rahman Dolan of Faridpur-1 constituency has alleged that his candidacy has been suspended by the High Court over claims of involvement with Awami League politics, leaving him with no opportunity to appeal.
Dolan made the allegation at a press conference at his residence in Kamargram of Alfadanga upazila on Friday afternoon. He was contesting the election as an independent candidate from Faridpur-1 (Alfadanga, Boalmari and Madhukhali) after being allocated the boat symbol.
He said he learned about the suspension five days ago through High Court lawyer Golam Ahmed Bulbul, but was not provided with a copy of the court order. As a result, he claimed, he has been denied the chance to file an appeal.
According to Dolan, a writ petition was filed against him by Junaid Hossain, who described himself as a vice-president of the Krishak League, an Awami League affiliate. Dolan said the petitioner is a resident of Boalmari upazila and alleged that his parents are associated with Jamaat-e-Islami.
Rejecting the allegations, Dolan said he does not currently hold any position in the Krishak League or the Awami League. “Even if someone had previous political involvement, there is no provision in the country’s laws, the Constitution or the Representation of the People Order (RPO) that bars them from contesting elections,” he said.
He added that the Election Commission had declared his candidacy valid and the Returning Officer had allocated a symbol, but his nomination was later suspended by the Appellate Division of the High Court. “My democratic and constitutional rights have been taken away,” he claimed. “Despite this, I will continue my legal fight.”
Dolan also alleged discrimination, saying candidates with loan defaults or dual citizenship have been allowed to contest elections, while he has been barred despite having no such disqualifications. He claimed the move was part of a conspiracy to keep him out of the election.
When contacted, District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamrul Hasan Molla said he had not yet received a copy of the court order. “Necessary action will be taken once the order is received,” he said.
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