By Mizan Rahman
The election commission in Bangladesh yesterday cancelled the nomination papers of Krishak Sramik Janata League (KSJL) president Abdul Kader Siddiqui for the March 29 by-election to Tangail-8 (Basail-Sakhipur) on charges of loan default.
Siddiqui, called Tiger Siddiqui for his heroic work during the 1971 independence war, had quit the Awami League as a member of the parliament and floated his own party.
Since then, Siddiqui, given war gallantry award ‘Bir Uttam’ (Hero, the Best), has been criticising Sheikh Hasina’s politics.
The nomination papers of Jatiya Party backed Quazi Ashraf Siddiqui were also rejected because of loan default while that of Abu Sayeed Azad Miah (rebel Awami League candidate) for not having his signature in the
affidavit.
Mohammad Khurshid Anwar, returning officer for Tangail-8 (Basail-Sakhipur) constituency, said the nomination papers of three candidates were rejected on the ground that they did not meet nomination conditions.
So far, only three candidates got the clean chit for the race. They are: ruling Awami League-backed Anupam Shajahan Joy, Abdul Malek Miah (Awami League rebel) and independent Dr Liaqat Ali.
The Tangail-8 seat (Basail-Sakhipur) fell vacant following the death of Awami League MP Shawkat Momen Shajahan on January 20.
Kader Siddiqui, called Tiger Siddiqui for his heroic work during the 1971 independence war, had quit the Awami League as a member of the parliament and floated his own party.
Since then, Siddiqui, given war gallantry award ‘Bir Uttam’ (Hero, the Best), has been criticising Sheikh Hasina’s politics.
It could not be known immediately whether Siddiqui would challenge the election
commission decision in a court.