EC cancels Monira Sharmin’s nomination for reserved women's seat

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday cancelled the nomination of Monira Sharmin, joint convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), for a reserved women’s seat in parliament.

Her lawyer Nazmus Sakib confirmed the decision and said that she has the option to file an appeal against the ruling.

The nomination was initially suspended a day earlier, with the candidate instructed to submit proof of resignation from government service by 12:00 PM on Thursday.

Following scrutiny of nomination papers at the EC Secretariat in Agargaon, the returning officer had earlier said that documents submitted by Monira Sharmin indicated her inclusion under the government pay scale, prompting the commission to allow her a chance to defend her candidature.

According to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), individuals who have left government service within three years are not eligible to contest or hold parliamentary positions. Monira Sharmin joined Bangladesh Krishi Bank as an officer (general) in October 2023 and resigned in December 2025 after serving for about a year.

Officials said the deadline for filing appeals regarding reserved seat nominations is April 26. Appeals will be settled on April 27 and 28, while the election is scheduled for May 12.

AM