Monira Sharmin’s MP candidacy cancelled, 49 other women valid

Election Commission

Dhaka, Apr 23 – The returning officer has cancelled the nomination of NCP leader Monira Sharmin, a candidate from the Jamaat-led alliance, in the election to the reserved women’s seats in Parliament, while declaring the remaining 49 nominations valid.

Returning Officer Md Moin Uddin Khan disclosed the information on Thursday after completing the scrutiny of nomination papers at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city’s Agargaon area.

Monira Sharmin said she would file an appeal petition, seeking the overturning of the decision of the returning officer.

There are 50 reserved women’s seats in the Parliament. Based on proportional representation in the Parliament, the BNP-led alliance has been allotted 36 seats, the Jamaat-led alliance 13, and independent candidates one seat.

Accordingly, the alliances had nominated an equal number of candidates against their allotted seats.

If the cancellation of Sharmin’s nomination is upheld during the appeal hearing, the seat will become open to all parties, said the Election Commission officials.

As per the schedule, the deadline to file appeals against the returning officer’s decision is Sunday (April 26), while disposal of appeals will be completed by April 28. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 29.

Since the number of candidates equals the number of seats, no voting will be required. After the withdrawal deadline, candidates will be declared elected unopposed.

Explaining the decision, the returning officer said Sharmin’s nomination was rejected under Article 12(c) of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972. The law requires a minimum three-year gap after resignation or retirement from a statutory public authority before a person can contest elections.

Sharmin had joined Bangladesh Krishi Bank on November 11, 2023, and resigned in December 2025 after entering politics. As the required three-year period had not elapsed, her nomination was deemed invalid.

On Thursday, the returning officer declared the candidacy of 36 women nominated by the BNP alliance valid, while he announced that of 15 other women nominated by the Jamaat alliance valid on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the returning officer kept the decision over the nomination of Monira Sharmin pending.

According to the election schedule, voting would be held on May 12 next. - UNB