Nahid Islam, a candidate of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the Dhaka-11 constituency, has filed a writ petition challenging the candidacy of BNP nominee Dr MA Qayyum, alleging dual citizenship and concealment of information.
The writ was filed on Monday (2 February) with the relevant branch of the High Court, seeking a stay on Dr Qayyum’s candidacy in Dhaka-11.
Nahid Islam’s lawyer, Advocate Jahirul Islam Musa, said the High Court is expected to hear the petition later this week.
Earlier, the Election Commission had declared the nomination papers of both Nahid Islam and BNP candidate Dr MA Qayyum valid following scrutiny.
Meanwhile, allegations circulated on social media claiming that Dr Qayyum had obtained citizenship of the Republic of Vanuatu and owned property there. Dr Qayyum has strongly denied the claims, calling them false, fabricated, and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on 19 January, Dr Qayyum said rumours were being spread on social media alleging that he was a citizen of Vanuatu and had investments or property there. “These claims are entirely false. I have never visited Vanuatu, nor have I ever sought dual citizenship of any country,” he said.
Responding to images of alleged passports or documents circulating online, he said the signatures on those documents do not match his genuine signature and described them as completely forged.
Addressing the election context, Dr Qayyum said his opponents were deliberately spreading misinformation, alternately claiming he was a major investor in Vanuatu or that he owned property there, adding that none of the allegations had any factual basis.
He said he stood firmly against disinformation and, if elected, would work to establish a culture of truth and integrity in politics.
Separately, on Sunday, the Appellate Division rejected an appeal by BNP nominee Manzurul Ahsan Munshi in the Cumilla-4 constituency, barring him from contesting the election. His opponent in that seat was NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah.
