The nomination of Dr. Tasnim Zara, an independent candidate and former NCP leader for the Dhaka-9 parliamentary seat, has been canceled. The Dhaka district returning officer announced the cancellation at around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Dr. Zara stated that the authorities rejected her nomination due to issues with voter signatures and said she would appeal to the Election Commission, expressing hope of regaining her candidacy.

Dr. Zara had submitted her nomination papers on December 29 at the Sabujbagh Thana election office, meeting the requirement of collecting support from one percent of the constituency’s voters. According to her affidavit, she is a physician with an annual income of 713,333 taka from her job and 3,200 British pounds from abroad, paying 34,057 taka in taxes. Her declared assets include jewelry worth 250,000 taka, 10,019 taka in bank deposits, 1.6 million taka in cash, and 2,270 British pounds.

The affidavit also shows she has no loans, lawsuits, or government dues. Her husband, Khaled Saifullah, holds 1.5 million taka in cash and earns 39,800 British pounds abroad. Dr. Zara, born on October 7, 1994, holds an MSc degree and resides in Khilgaon, Dhaka.