The Election Commission (EC) has declared the nomination papers of BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Jamaat‑led 11‑party alliance candidate Col (retd) Oli Ahmad valid for the presidential election.
Around 11:45am, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin announced the validity of Fakhrul’s nomination paper after scrutiny at the CEC’s conference room in Nirbachan Bhaban, Agargaon.
“After scrutiny, I declare your (BNP) candidate’s nomination valid,” he said.
BNP leaders Abdul Moyeen Khan, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni, and Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu were present.
Earlier around 11am, the EC also declared valid the nomination paper of Oli Ahmad. Abdul Baten, Jamaat MP from Dhaka‑16 and member of the 11‑party delegation, told reporters that Ahmad’s nomination was found correct and he will contest the 20 August presidential election.
Baten explained that once the first nomination is declared valid, the second is not scrutinised further. He said Oli Ahmad’s nomination was proposed by Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman and seconded by NCP’s Abdullah Al Amin.
Asked whether the alliance might withdraw its candidate, Baten replied, “The nomination will not be withdrawn. We submitted it to participate until the end.”
The alliance wanted democratic continuity, noting that a presidential election was being held after nearly 35 years, he added
However, he criticised Article 70 of the Constitution, saying it prevents lawmakers from voting independently. “We believe this is a major obstacle to free voting rights. It must be amended at any cost,” he said.
Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA) General Secretary Iqbal Hossain, LDP General Secretary Billal Miaji, and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon General Secretary Fakhrul Islam were also present.
Valid candidates may withdraw their nominations by 4pm on 18 August. If no withdrawal occurs, voting will be held in the Parliament chamber from 2pm to 5pm on 20 August.
