Settle appeal on 22 Jamaat leaders’ candidature in 3 days: HC to EC

The High Court asked the Election Commission on Tuesday to resolve an appeal challenging legality of 22 Jamaat-e-Islami leaders contesting the polls with BNP’s electoral symbol.

Justice Md Ashfakul Islam and Justice Mohammad Ali’s bench gave the EC three days to resolve the matter. The court also disposed of the writ petition filed with it regarding the same matter.

Four people, including Bangladesh Tarikat Federation Secretary General Syed Rezaul Haque Chandpuri, filed an appeal with the EC and moved the HC on the same day challenging legality of the Jamaat leaders’ nomination.

The High Court cancelled Jamaat’s registration with the EC on August 1, 2013 following a writ petition filed by 25 people, including Chandpuri. The EC finally issued a gazette notification on October 29 this year cancelling the party’s registration.

Jamaat had openly opposed Bangladesh’s independence and sided with Pakistani occupation forces to thwart Bangalees’ struggle for freedom. Many of the party’s senior leaders have been convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War.

Source: unb