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The hearing on the details of the writ petition filed to stay the upcoming 12th National election ended in the High Court on Monday.
The High Court bench led by Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah, fixed December 10 (Sunday) for passing an order in this regard on Monday.
Advocate Yunus Ali Akanda spoke in favour of the petition in the court, while Attorney General AM Amin Uddin represented the state. Deputy Attorney General Tushar Kanti Roy provided assistance on behalf of the state. Barrister Khan Muhammad Shamim Aziz appeared on behalf of the Election Commission.
At a stage during the hearing, Advocate Yunus Ali Akanda, the petitioner's lawyer, stated, "I was a parliamentary candidate in 2018. Voting took place at night. The court asked, whether any case was filed regarding the night voting and was there any evidence or witnesses. At that time, Yunus said, “I am a witness to the night voting along with 18 crore people."
Earlier, the election's validity was challenged while the current parliament was in session. Yunus filed the writ petition in the relevant branch of the High Court last Wednesday. The petition included the Chief Election Commissioner, the Election Commission Secretary, the Secretary of the Ministry of Law, and seven others as defendants. The lawyer had sent a legal notice last Tuesday.
The notice highlighted the ongoing political crisis in the country, stating that strikes and blockades are ongoing, making it impossible to conduct fair elections. In addition, candidates have the obligation to submit their tax returns with their nomination papers.
However, the deadline for submitting tax returns is November 30, while, according to the Election Commission, the deadline for submitting nomination papers is also November 30. Therefore, it remains uncertain how candidates will be able to submit their tax returns along with their nomination papers, it said
Due to the impact of strikes and blockades, independent candidates are not prepared to participate in the election. In light of this situation, the Election Commission requested more time to announce details behind the postponed election date, it added.