CPB leader Kafi’s nomination scratched in Cumilla-5 seat

The nomination of Abdullah Al Kafi, general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), has been declared invalid after scrutiny.

Kafi had collected and submitted his nomination papers as the CPB’s candidate for the Cumilla-5 (Burichang-Brahmanpara) constituency.

Cumilla Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan said the nomination was declared invalid on Friday after scrutiny.

Speaking to reporters, Kafi said the decision stemmed from an administrative discrepancy related to the party’s leadership records.

 “A few days ago, our new party committee elected a president and a general secretary through a congress, and we informed the Election Commission accordingly. However, the commission did not update the information,” he said.

 “I was nominated using a form signed by the current CPB President Kazi Sajjad Jahir Chandan. Because the updated committee details were not reflected in the commission’s records, my nomination has been rejected due to the president’s signature,” he added.

The “Sickle” candidate said no other irregularities were found in his nomination papers.

“I will approach the Election Commission again tomorrow seeking a resolution, even though the error is on their part,” he said.

Returning Officer Reza said the nomination was rejected because the form did not carry the signature of the individual authorised by the Election Commission to nominate CPB candidates.

“As the authorised signatory listed by the Election Commission was not reflected in the nomination papers, the nomination has been deemed invalid during scrutiny,” he said.

He added that Kafi would be able to appeal the decision within the timeframe stipulated by election law.