BNP candidate's nomination in M'ganj-1upheld amid allegations 

Nomination of BNP-backed candidate Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for the Munshiganj-1 (Sirajdikhan-Sreenagar) parliamentary seat has been declared valid despite allegations that he is a fugitive and a charge-sheeted accused in cases involving student killing and attempted murder during July Movement.

The decision was made on Thursday during scrutiny of nomination papers at the Munshiganj Deputy Commissioner's office by the Returning Officer, prompting strong backlash from rival and independent candidates. 

They allege that Abdullah concealed information about multiple criminal cases in his affidavit, yet his nomination was approved, sparking widespread criticism locally and within political circles.

According to case records, Sheikh Abdullah is the 69th named accused in GR Case No. 256/25 filed on May 12, 2025, at Mirpur Model Police Station. The case names 108 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader, along with 400-500 unidentified individuals.

Abdullah is also accused in another case filed on October 19, 2024, with Rampura Police Station. This case is being investigated by SI Mostafizur Rahman of RAB-3, where Abdullah is listed as the 12th named accused, according to the case documents.

Following the decision, independent candidates condemned the approval, calling it a serious breach of electoral law and ethics, and warning that such actions undermine public trust in the upcoming national election.

Attempts to obtain comments from the Returning Officer and DC Syeda Nurmahal Ashrafi were unsuccessful, as she was reportedly at a meeting.

In contrast, during the same scrutiny, nomination papers of two BNP-background independent candidates -Mir Sofrat Ali Sopu and Momin Ali-were cancelled due to discrepancies in supporting voters' signatures.

After scrutiny, five candidates were declared valid in Munshiganj-1. 

Officials noted that appeals can be filed within the stipulated time, and aggrieved candidates have indicated plans to seek redress from the Election Commission or the High Court.