The High Court on Monday stayed the decision of the Appellate Board revoking the candidacy of Zayed Khan in the Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association election. The HC bench of Justice Mamnoon Rahman and Khandaker Diliruzzaman passed the order following a writ petition filed by Zayed Khan challenging the validity of the decision of the Election Appellate Board. The court also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the decision to cancel his candidacy should not be announced illegal. Besides, the court asked Zayed Khan to continue his activities as general secretary,said advocate Ahsanul Karim. Advocate Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Advocate Ahsanul Karim and Advocate Nahid Sultana Zuthi stood for Zayed Khan and Barrister Rokon Uddin Mahmud was present on behalf of actress Nipun while Deputy Attorney General Bipul Bagmar represented the state. Read: Zayed Khan loses gen secy post, Nipun back The court also fixed February 15 for the rule hearing. Earlier on Saturday, the Election Appellate Board decided to remove Zayed from the post of general secretary of the association over the allegations that he had resorted to irregularities in the association’s recent election. Sohanur Rahman Sohan, chairman of the Appellate Board, announced the decision at the FDC on Saturday evening. Earlier, the election of the artistes’ association was held on January 28. Zayed was declared winner in the general secretary post defeating Nipun in a close contest. It was his third consecutive win.