The Appellate Division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has cancelled BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury’s candidacy for the Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, citing loan default allegations. The verdict, announced on June 30, 2026, prevents him from taking oath as a Member of Parliament. The four-judge bench, led by the Chief Justice, delivered the ruling following a final hearing on June 15. The case originated after a bank challenged the Election Commission’s earlier decision validating Chowdhury’s nomination.

Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir described the verdict as a landmark decision, stating it proves that loan defaulters cannot contest elections. He emphasized that loan defaulters have harmed the banking sector and that the Election Commission must now take necessary steps to enforce the law. Monir also noted that the Commission could declare the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, who received the second-highest votes, as the winner or act according to the full judgment once it is released.

The Election Commission has yet to publish the final gazette for the constituency, pending the court’s directive.