Bangladesh Nominations Canceled: Returning officers cancelled 723 nominations across Bangladesh on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following intensive scrutiny of the election in Bangladesh for the 13th parliament. The Election Commission announced 1,842 valid papers out of 2,568 submitted, citing issues such as signature discrepancies and loan defaults.
The high number of 723 nominations canceled raises questions about candidate preparedness and electoral integrity in Bangladesh. As South Asia watches the process, such rejections could influence party strategies and voter turnout in the February 12, 2026, polls, amid calls for transparent democracy.
Bangladesh Election Scrutiny Outcomes
The Bangladesh election scrutiny concluded after five days, starting on December 30, 2025. Election Commission Public Relations Officer Ruhul Amin Mollik released the figures in Dhaka. He stated 28 percent of submissions faced cancellation, up from 27 percent in 2024 and 25.64 percent in 2018.
Valid nominations totalled 1842. Three papers for deceased BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia were not counted. Dhaka-5 led with 14 valid candidates, while several constituencies, such as Nilphamari-3, had just two.
723 Nominations Canceled: Primary Reasons
Most of the 723 nominations canceled involved independent candidates. They failed to provide signatures from at least one percent of constituency voters. Other causes included affidavit errors, information concealment, loan defaults, and issues related to dual citizenship.
Communist Party of Bangladesh lost 28 aspirants, including General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan in Cumilla-5, due to signature issues. Bangladesh Nationalist Party saw three disqualifications: Mahbubur Rahman Liton in Mymensingh-7 for incomplete case details, Fahim Chowdhury in Sherpur-2 for dual citizenship, and TS Ayub in Jashore-4 for loan default.
A Jatiya Party faction faced setbacks. Executive President Mujibul Haque Chunnu had his nomination scrapped due to loan default. Chairman Anisul Islam Mahmud of Chattogram party authorities disqualified five due to signature mismatches.
Independents like Hasnat Quaiyum in Kishoreganj-5 from Rasthro Sangskar Andolan and Tasnim Jara in Dhaka-9, a recent NCP resignee, also saw cancellations. Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Mustafizur Rahman Iran lost his bid for Jhalokathi-1 but retained Dhaka-12.
Nagorik Oikyo President Mahmudur Rahman Manna had his Bogra-2 nomination rejected, though Dhaka-12 cleared.
Jamaat Nominations Rejected Amid Controversy
Jamaat-e-Islami endured at least seven Jamaat nominations rejected. Mahbub Alam in Kurigram-3 and AKM Fazul Haq in Chattogram-9 fell to dual citizenship claims. Mosleh Uddin Farid in Jashore-2 defaulted on credit cards. Mujibur Rahman Azadi in Jamalpur-3 had form irregularities. Abdul Haque in Dhaka-2 cited loan default. Yusuf Sohel in Cumilla-3 submitted incomplete affidavits. Hamidur Rahman Azad in Cox’s Bazar-2 omitted case details.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar addressed the Jamaat members whose nominations were rejected. He claimed rejections stemmed from trivial issues. “The actions were instigated by a certain quarter,” he said.
Affected candidates plan appeals. Hasnat Quaiyum and Tasnim Jara confirmed intentions to challenge decisions.
Impact of Bangladesh Nominations Canceled on Polls
The 723 nominations canceled affect the political landscape. Independents, often party rebels, comprised the bulk. This could consolidate fields for major parties but limit choices.
In past elections, similar scrutiny ensured compliance but sparked debates on fairness. The rise to 28 percent cancellations suggests that stricter enforcement is needed under the current commission.
Constituencies with few valid candidates tend to have low competition. For instance, nine areas have only two aspirants each, potentially leading to uncontested wins if appeals fail.
Background
Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election follows political shifts. The Election Commission, established in 1972, oversees processes for 300 seats. Nominations were submitted and closed on December 29, 2025, with 2,568 papers filed.
Previous polls saw similar scrutiny rates. In 2018, 25.64 percent of cancellations occurred amid boycotts. The 2024 rate hit 27 percent during contested races.
Dual citizenship and loan defaults recur as barriers. Laws require candidates to disclose their assets and settle their debts. Voter signature rules aim to demonstrate local support for independent candidates.
What’s Next
Appeals against Bangladesh nominations will be canceled from Monday, January 5, 2026, to January 9, 2026. The Election Commission will resolve them between January 10, 2026, and January 18, 2026.
Symbol allocation will take place on January 19, 2026. Campaigns run until February 10, 2026. Polling occurs on February 12, 2026.
Candidates may adjust strategies based on outcomes. The commission could release updated, valid lists after the appeals.
In conclusion, the extensive number of canceled Bangladesh nominations underscores the need for rigorous preparation in future electoral bids.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 5th, 2026
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