The Election Commission of Bangladesh has upheld the candidacy of BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo for the Feni-3 constituency. The decision came on Sunday, January 18, following an appeal hearing at the commission’s auditorium in Agargaon. Mintoo’s nomination had been challenged by his rival candidate, Mohammad Fakhruddin Manik of Jamaat-e-Islami, who alleged that Mintoo held dual citizenship.

After the commission rejected the appeal, Mintoo expressed gratitude in a Facebook post, describing the challenge as baseless and harassing. He stated that since returning to Bangladesh in 1981, he had conducted his business with transparency and integrity and remained devoted to public service. He reaffirmed his identity as a Bangladeshi citizen and thanked supporters for their trust and affection.

Mintoo concluded his message by emphasizing his faith in the people and in God, asserting that the decision validated his legitimacy in the electoral race and that “truth has prevailed.”