The Election Commission has validated the nomination of Sharaf Uddin Azad Sohel, vice-president of Ramgati Upazila Awami League, as an independent candidate for the 13th National Parliamentary Election in the Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati-Kamalnagar) constituency. His nomination was initially rejected by the district returning officer, S.M. Mehedi Hasan, due to inconsistencies in one percent of voter slips. Following an appeal, the Chief Election Commission found the voter support authentic and reinstated his candidacy.

The decision has sparked anger among July Movement activists and local BNP members, who accused Sohel of past involvement in violence, vote manipulation, and misuse of political influence. July Mancha’s joint convener Abdus Sobhan alleged that Sohel led attacks on students and citizens during the July movement and used his loyalists to intimidate opponents. BNP leaders claimed his supporters vandalized their offices and destroyed posters of party leaders.

Assistant Returning Officer Nilufa Yasmin Nipa confirmed that Sohel collected his nomination form locally but submitted it at the district level, and attempts to contact the district returning officer for comment were unsuccessful.