Dhaka, Nov 27 (Just News) : Nomination papers have been collected for BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia willing to contest the coming general elections from three constituencies, despite her conviction in two graft cases.
However, questions arise as to whether she will be able to take part in the elections, overcoming legal barriers.
Begum Khaleda Zia may face legal challenges in participating in the polls after the High Court on Tuesday said graft convicts of more than two years of jail term with appeal pending will not be allowed to contest elections.
This may happen if she manages to secure clear guidelines from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court for joining the polls. “She has little time indeed for such a process,” one of the officers said.
The High Court observed that if someone is sentenced to over two years' jail by a lower court in any graft case. The court also said such convicts will be able to contest the polls if the Appellate Division stays the conviction or grants bail to the convicts.
The HC judgement came rejecting separate petitions filed by five BNP leaders -- Amanullah Aman, physician AZM Zahid, Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, Abdul Wahab and Mashiur Rahman – seeking stay on conviction and sentence. They will not likely be able to contest the polls, in view of the HC order.
(Just News/mj/1820hr.)
