The highest number of candidates—18 each—submitted nomination papers in Dhaka-12 and Gazipur-2 constituencies while the lowest number of aspirants—two—filed nominations in Pirojpur-1 for the 13th parliamentary election.

According to the latest count of the Election Commission, a total of 2,570 candidates submitted nomination papers before the deadline expired on Monday to contest the election across the country’s 300 constituencies, although 3,407 aspirants had collected nomination forms.

More than 10 candidates filed nominations each in 66 constituencies while fewer than five candidates submitted papers in 16 constituencies.

Dhaka-17 and Dhaka-18 each recorded 17 candidates while Dhaka-3 and Dhaka-5 had 16 aspirants each.

Besides, 15 candidates submitted nomination papers each in eight constituencies —Narail-1, Jhalokathi-1, Dhaka-7, Narayanganj-4, Faridpur-1, Brahmanbaria-6, Noakhali-5 and Khagrachari.

Only three candidates filed nominations each in four constituencies—Thakurgaon-1, Meherpur-1, Dhaka-2 and Chattogram-15.

Four candidates submitted nomination papers each in 11 constituencies, which are Dinajpur-4, Nilphamari-3, Rajshahi-4, Rajshahi-6, Pabna-5, Khulna-2, Jamalpur-1, Sherpur-3, Netrakona-5, Shariatpur-3 and Rajbari-1.

The nomination submission process concluded in a peaceful atmosphere across the country, with most aspirants filing papers on the final day, as only 166 nominations were submitted until Sunday.

No incident of violence was reported in connection with the submission of nomination papers.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s nomination papers were submitted to contest from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman’s nomination papers were filed to the returning officer concerned to contest from Dhaka-15 constituency.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir submitted the nomination paper to contest from Thakurgaon-1 constituency, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar submitted his nomination paper to run from Khulna-5 constituency.

The number of aspirants, who submitted nomination papers, was 2,711 in the 12th general election held on January 07, 2024, what that was 3,065 in the 11th general election held on December 30, 2018.   

The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliament election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next.

According to the election schedule, the scrutiny of nomination papers is on December 30-January 4, while the appeals against the decisions of the returning officers can be filed from January 5 to 9 and the appeals will be settled from January 10 to 18.

The last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20.

The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).

This time the Commission appointed 69 returning officers –two divisional commissioners (Dhaka and Chattogram), three regional election officers (Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna) and 64 district deputy commissioners.

The collection and submission of nomination papers started on December 12, a day after the announcement of the election schedule.