The Election Commission (EC) has said that the future of the Chattogram-4 parliamentary constituency-whether a re-election will be held or the runner-up candidate will be declared the winner-will be determined entirely by the Supreme Court’s directive.
The uncertainty over the seat resurfaced after the Appellate Division on Tuesday allowed an appeal challenging the validity of BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination in the 13th national parliamentary election.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh, Election Commissioner Md Abdul Rahman Masud said the commission would implement whatever decision the court issues.
“We have also seen the matter in the media. We will act according to the court’s order. If it directs a re-election, we will hold it. If it directs declaring the nearest rival as the winner, we will implement that. Everything depends on the court’s instruction,” he said.
On the question of whether Aslam Chowdhury would be eligible to contest again if a fresh election is ordered, the commissioner said his legal status would be assessed at the time of filing nomination papers.
“If a re-election is held, his eligibility at the time of submission of nomination papers will be considered. If he is not a loan defaulter and meets legal requirements, he can contest,” he added.
Following the Appellate Division’s ruling, Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal said that disqualification for a certain period is not permanent and may be removed if legal conditions are later fulfilled.
Earlier, Aslam Chowdhury had secured the highest number of votes in the Chattogram-4 constituency in the February 12 national election, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Anwar Siddiqui came second. However, publication of the results for the seat had been stayed following a court order.
The final outcome of the constituency now depends on the Supreme Court’s full verdict and subsequent instructions.
