NCP candidate Nusrat gets EC clearance 

 
Legal uncertainty over the candidacy of Nusrat Tabassum, a candidate of the Jamaat-led alliance's NCP for a reserved women's seat in the 13th National Parliament has been resolved, as the Election Commission agreed to accept her nomination papers following a High Court order and confirmed it will not file an appeal.

The Election Commission (EC) has decided to accept her nomination papers following a High Court order. The EC also said it will not appeal the decision.

On Tuesday, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told the media that the commission is giving priority to implementing the court's decision. He said the EC was not a party in the case, so there is no reason to appeal. The commission will act according to the court's directive.

Sources from the Election Commission said that, based on the court order, Nusrat Tabassum's nomination papers will now be accepted and checked in the next stage. If her nomination is found valid and she passes any further appeals, she will be able to take part in the election.

Earlier, her nomination papers were rejected because of a timing issue. The deadline for submission was 419 pm on April 21, and she submitted her papers exactly at 419 pm. The Returning Officer did not accept the application, which created uncertainty about her candidacy.

Later, Nusrat Tabassum filed a writ petition in the High Court. The court then ordered that her nomination be accepted and instructed the EC to take action accordingly.

According to the election schedule, the last date to withdraw candidacy is April 29, symbols will be allocated on April 30, and voting will take place on May 12.