No polls for convicts: HC order upheld

Staff Correspondent: The Appellate Division has upheld a High Court (HC) verdict that ordered a convict sentenced to more than two years in jail cannot contest the election, even if an appeal is pending.

A seven-member bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain rejected an appeal petition filed by Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain on Wednesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, the High Court ordered that a convict sentenced to more than two years in jail cannot contest the election, even if an appeal is pending.
The court came up with the observation in line with Article 66 (2) (D) of the constitution.

It said, the convict can only run for candidacy after a five-year term after completion of the jail term.

The High Court bench of Justice Mohammad Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice KM Hafizul Alam passed the order while rejecting petitions filed by five BNP leaders seeking suspension of their conviction in graft cases.

The five BNP leaders are Aman Ullah Aman, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, Abdul Wahab and Moshiur Rahman.



risingbd/ Dhaka/Nov 28, 2018/Mahidi/Mukul