Scrutiny of nomination papers today

Scrutiny of nomination papers submitted by the candidates of 20 constituencies of Dhaka district for the 13th parliamentary election is going to be held today (Saturday).

A total of 236 candidates submitted nomination papers untill last Monday when the deadline for nomination papers submission ended.

According to data available on the Election Commission (EC) website, male candidates continue to dominate the race, accounting for 215 contenders, while 21 are female.

Dhaka-12 has emerged as the most competitive constituency with 19 candidates, including three women. It is followed by Dhaka-17 and Dhaka-18, each with 17 candidates. Dhaka-3 and Dhaka-5 also recorded a high number of contestants, with 16 candidates each.

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman's nomination paper was submitted for Dhaka-17 constituency.

Dhaka-2 has the lowest number of candidates, with only three aspirants contesting the seat. Dhaka-20 follows with six candidates, while Dhaka-1 and Dhaka-6 each have seven contenders.

EC sources said scrutiny of nomination papers would be conducted by the three designated returning officers at the offices of the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner, the Dhaka Regional Election Officer, and the Dhaka District Commissioner.

According to election schedule announced last month, scrutiny of nomination papers across the country would be completed by tomorrow (Sunday). Appeals against the returning officers' decisions can be filed with the commission from January 5 to 9, while appeal settlement will take place between January 10 and 18.

saif.febd@gmail.com