CHATTOGRAM, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS) – The Election Commission ( EC) today upheld the decision to cancel the nomination paper of Dr. A K M Fazlul Haque, Jamaat Islami nominated candidate for Chattogram-9 (Kotwali-Bakolia) constituency, on ground of dual-citizenship. 

Returning Officer and Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md Ziaudddin declared invalid the candidature of Dr. Fazlul on allegation of having dual citizenship during primary scrutiny on January 4 last. 

Ctg-9 (Kotowali-Bakalia) constituency is considered as VIP seat in parliamentary polls. 

Dr. Fazlu moved an appeal petition before EC challenging the decision of Returning Officer (RO).  But the EC rejected his appeal petition upholding the decision of RO after hearing held at the EC secretariat with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin in the chair. 

While talking to the journalists after rejection of his appeal petition, Dr. Fazlul criticized the EC for partisanship and vowed to continue legal battle to regain his candidature. 

Dr. Fazlul in his affidavit submitted to RO declared that he had surrendered his US citizenship on December 18 last in favor his eligibility to compete in the upcoming election. 

The RO during primary scrutiny cancelled the nomination paper of Jamaat candidate for Ctg-9 constituency on ground of lack of necessary documents in leaving the US citizenship. 

The lawyer of Dr. Fazlul Barrister Mohammad Belayet Hossain said he will file appeal before the High Court in favor of his client challenging the judgment of EC. 

Barrister Belayet said the appeal petition was filed before EC by fulfilling all legal procedure and placing appropriate arguments as per the Constitution and the RPO but the EC has turned down our legal arguments.