A writ petition has been filed with the High Court challenging the legality of the candidacy of Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election in the Dhaka-11 constituency.
The petition was filed on Sunday by Shamim Ahmed, a rival candidate from the Bangladesh National Party contesting with the ‘Plough’ (Langol) symbol.
The Allegations
According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Mohammad Majnu Mollya, the challenge centers on allegations of undisclosed dual citizenship. The lawyer claimed that shortly after assuming responsibilities in the Adviser’s Council on August 8, 2024, Nahid Islam allegedly “abused state power” to obtain citizenship of the Commonwealth of Dominica overnight.
The petition further asserts that Nahid Islam concealed this information in his election affidavit. Advocate Majnu Mollya argued that this is a direct violation of Article 66(2)(c) of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which disqualifies any individual from being elected as a Member of Parliament if they “acquire the citizenship of, or affirm or acknowledge allegiance to, a foreign state.”
Legal Proceedings
Speaking to the media on Monday, Advocate Majnu Mollya confirmed that the writ would be presented before the High Court for a hearing on Tuesday.
“Nahid Islam is disqualified from contesting the election under Article 66(2)(c) of the Constitution due to his foreign citizenship. Therefore, the petitioner has sought the court’s intervention,” the lawyer stated.
Context
Nahid Islam, a key figure of the July Uprising and former student leader, is contesting from Dhaka-11 under the NCP banner as part of the 11-party electoral alliance. His opponent, Shamim Ahmed, is representing the Bangladesh National Party in the same constituency.
The High Court’s decision on Tuesday is expected to be a significant development for the Dhaka-11 race as the country nears the February 12 polls.
