Writ challenges EC decision on 25 Jamaat men's candidacy

A writ petition was filed with the High Court (HC) challenging the Election Commission's decision to approve the candidacies of 25 Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for the upcoming 11th general election, reports UNB.

Barrister Tania Amir filed the petition on behalf of four people including Bangladesh Tarikat Federation Secretary General Syed Rezaul Haque Chandpuri.

The petition was filed as a supplementary writ challenging the EC's decision that rejected an application for cancellation of the Jamaat leaders' candidacy.

The hearing of the petition is likely to be held on Thursday, said Barrister Tania Amir.

Earlier on Sunday, the Election Commission (EC) declared that 25 Jamaat-e-Islami leaders can be there in the election race as the Commission has no authority to revoke their candidatures since they are contesting the polls as BNP and independent candidates as it has no legal jurisdiction to annul their candidacies.

Of the 25 candidates, 22 are contesting the election with Sheaf of Paddy while the rest are independent ones.

On December 18, the HC asked the EC to dispose of the application filed for cancelling the candidacies of 25 Jamaat-e-Islami men by three working days.

Four individuals filed a writ with the HC challenging the eligibility of those candidates to remain there in the election race.