Nahid's writ challenges BNP's MA Kaiyum's candidacy

A writ petition was filed on Monday with the High Court challenging the legality of candidacy of BNP-nominated candidate MA Kaiyum in Dhaka-11 constituency.

Nahid Islam, candidate of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance for Dhaka-11 and convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), filed the petition before the relevant branch of the HC seeking a stay on the candidature of Kaiyum in the same constituency.

Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa and Advocate Ali Azgar Sharifi are present in the court for Nahid.

He also said that, "MA Kaiyum is a citizen of a country called Vanuatu, which he has concealed in his affidavit. According to the country's constitution, those who are dual citizens are ineligible to run for parliament," the lawyer said.

Musa said the High Court is expected to hear the petition this week.

Earlier, the Election Commission has declared the nomination papers of Nahid and Kaiyum valid.

Meanwhile, Nahid Islam alleged that organised mafia groups are systematically vandalising his campaign materials in a bid to obstruct his electoral momentum amid what he described as growing public support. In a statement posted on his verified Facebook account on Monday, Nahid claimed that vested interests had launched a coordinated campaign to derail what he termed "Shaplakli's progress" by forcibly removing billboards and banners across the constituency. "Mafia groups are frightened by the public outpouring in favour of Nahid Islam in the Dhaka-11 constituency. Out of fear, they are tearing down my billboards and banners one after another. A concerted effort is underway to halt Shaplakli's progress," he wrote.

Condemning the incident, Nahid said a campaign billboard was pulled down late Sunday night near the Nurbagh Mosque in Ward 23.

 "Last night, my billboard was torn down next to the Nurbagh Mosque in Ward No 23. I strongly condemn this heinous act," he said, describing it as politically motivated vandalism aimed at undermining democratic participation.