Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna on Sunday regained his candidacy for Bogura-2 constituency as the Election Commission declared his nomination paper valid after hearing his appeal petition.

The Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, accepted his appeal petition filed, challenging the decision of returning officer that cancelled his nomination paper submitted in Bogura-2 constituency (Shibganj Upazila).

The EC that acts as the electoral appeal tribunal heard his petition and announced the decision at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital.

Manna, in an instant reaction, said there was a conspiracy behind the cancellation of his nomination, but it has ultimately failed. “I first express my gratitude to Almighty Allah. I firmly believed that this conspiracy would not succeed,” he said.

He observed that the purpose of scrutinising nomination papers is not to exclude candidates but to allow them to correct mistakes that could be corrected instantly.

Manna said he had contested elections from Bogura in the past and was doing so again this time.

Addressing allegations related to bank loan default, he said the claims that he was a defaulter were completely false. He alleged that a fake notice had been created through an official of Islami Bank’s Bogura Borogola branch.

Upon learning about the matter, he contacted the bank’s head office and then disciplinary action was taken against him (the officer) through stand release and transfer. “However, this information did not come to light in the media,” Manna added.

Without naming any of his rivals, Manna said political competition is natural, but attempting to defeat opponents through unfair means is not politics. “You cannot win through conspiracy,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction with the Election Commission’s role, Manna said the Commission had taken a stand in favour of inclusive politics.

He said the mentality of securing victory by excluding opponents stifles democracy.

Top court orders removal of Manna’s name from loan defaulters list

Regarding support from the BNP, Manna said the party’s nominated candidate has not yet withdrawn his candidature. “But I hope that since I was formally announced earlier, it will be natural for the candidature to be withdrawn,” he added.

Manna, who submitted nomination papers for Bogura-2 and Dhaka-18 to run the 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12 next.

His nomination paper for Dhaka-18 was accepted, his nomination paper for Bogura-2 was cancelled on ground of bank loan default during the scrutiny conducted by the returning officers.