Dhaka, Feb 02 (V7N) — Nahid Islam, a candidate of the National Citizens Party (NCP) from the 11-party alliance backed by Jamaat-e-Islami, has filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging the candidacy of BNP nominee MA Qayum in the Dhaka-11 constituency, alleging dual citizenship and concealment of information.

Nahid Islam personally appeared before the High Court on Monday morning and submitted the writ, seeking an order to suspend the candidacy of the BNP-backed candidate in the constituency.

Speaking to reporters, Nahid’s lawyer Zahirul Islam Musa said that multiple media reports have revealed that BNP candidate MA Qayum holds citizenship of the Pacific island nation of the Republic of Vanuatu. However, he allegedly failed to disclose this information in his election affidavit, which is a mandatory requirement under election law.

The writ petition also accuses MA Qayum of deliberately concealing information, in addition to holding dual citizenship, which could disqualify him from contesting the election under existing laws.

The petitioner’s lawyer expressed hope that the High Court may hear the writ next Tuesday.

END/SMA/AJ