The nomination scrutiny process for the 13th National Parliamentary Election began in Cumilla with significant developments on the very first day. On Friday, the verification of nomination papers for six out of the district’s eleven constituencies was completed, resulting in the cancellation of nominations for 16 candidates from different political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami.

The scrutiny was conducted at the office of the Cumilla Deputy Commissioner and District Returning Officer, Md. Reza Hasan. A total of 60 candidates submitted nomination papers in Cumilla-1 to Cumilla-6 constituencies. After detailed examination, the returning authorities declared 16 nominations invalid due to various irregularities.

According to official sources, the primary reason behind most of the cancellations was allegations of forged voter signatures. In several cases, nomination papers were found incomplete, with missing candidate signatures on affidavits, absence of verifier signatures, or discrepancies in the required documents. These procedural flaws led the returning officer to reject the nominations in accordance with election laws and regulations.

The cancelled nominations include candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Gano Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Communist Party (CPB), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BASAD), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD), Jatiya Party, and a number of independent contenders. The decision has generated discussion within local political circles, as several parties face reduced representation in the affected constituencies.

District Returning Officer Md. Reza Hasan stated that candidates whose nominations were cancelled still have the opportunity to appeal to the Election Commission within the stipulated time to seek restoration of their candidacy. Meanwhile, the scrutiny process for the remaining five constituencies in Cumilla is scheduled to be completed on Saturday.

The outcome of the first day’s verification has added a new dimension to the electoral landscape in Cumilla, with observers closely watching how appeals and further scrutiny may influence the final list of candidates ahead of the national election.