The Appellate Division has declared BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury’s candidacy for the Chattogram-4 constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election invalid. Following the verdict delivered on Tuesday, June 30, Senior Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Machud told reporters that the Election Commission (EC) will determine its next steps only after receiving the full written judgment from the court.

He explained that the EC will act according to the court’s directive, whether it involves holding a re-election or declaring the runner-up as the winner. The commission will review the matter upon receiving the full or advance copy of the verdict but will not seek it proactively since it is not a party to the case. The copy will reach the EC through the concerned parties or the court itself.

Earlier, despite allegations of loan default, Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination had been upheld by the EC on January 18. Subsequent legal challenges led to the Appellate Division’s final ruling on June 30, invalidating his candidacy and leaving the election outcome for Chattogram-4 pending further decision.