Nomination cancellation 'illegal and intentional', says Jamaat leader Hamidur Rahman

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad has termed the cancellation of his nomination for the Cox's Bazar-2 (Moheshkhali–Kutubdia) constituency as "illegal and intentional", alleging administrative bias behind the decision.

Earlier in the evening (2 January), Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Abdul Mannan cancelled his nomination for the constituency after scrutiny of nomination papers.

According to the deputy commissioner's office sources, the nomination was cancelled on the grounds that Hamidur Rahman had been sentenced to three months' imprisonment and fined in a contempt of court case by the International Crimes Tribunal in 2013.

However, speaking at a press conference last night, the Jamaat leader rejected the reasoning, claiming the decision lacks legal basis. He described the cancellation as "illegal" and a reflection of "extreme administrative bias".

"I have no bank loan defaults or tax-related liabilities. A contempt of court case is not a criminal offence involving moral turpitude," he added.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur's nomination cancelled in Cox's Bazar-2

Hamidur informed that under Article 66(2)(c) of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Order (RPO), only convictions for offences involving moral turpitude can disqualify a person from contesting elections. "Contempt of court is a separate legal process and cannot bar someone from becoming a member of parliament."

He also pointed out that despite the same case being on record, his nomination was accepted as valid in the 2018 election, questioning why it was rejected this time.

Alleging bias by the administration, Hamidur said he was deeply hurt by the conduct of some officials present in the returning officer's office. "After my nomination was cancelled, some administrative officials applauded. Such behaviour is not expected from neutral officials. It proves that the local administration is working for a particular side and wants to keep me out of the election," he claimed.

The Jamaat leader further said he would appeal the decision to the Election Commission. "The law is on my side. If necessary, I will fight this decision up to the High Court and the Supreme Court," he said, adding that his party wants a fair election and a level playing field so voters can freely choose their preferred candidate.

Hamidur Rahman has previously served as a member of parliament from the constituency.