The Election Commission (EC) has declared the nomination of National Democratic Party–JAGPA vice president and spokesperson Rashed Pradhan valid. The decision came on Saturday, January 10, 2026, following a hearing on his appeal. Pradhan had earlier filed the appeal on January 6 after his nomination was rejected by the returning officer and Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md. Sayemuzzaman on January 3 due to an affidavit-related complication. He is contesting in both Panchagarh-1 and Panchagarh-2 constituencies in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

In his initial reaction, Rashed Pradhan expressed gratitude for the EC’s decision but voiced concern about the absence of a level playing field, citing the approval of loan-defaulter candidates from the BNP. JAGPA president Barrister Tasmia Pradhan, who attended the hearing in support of her brother, said she was present not as a party leader or lawyer but as family, emphasizing unity for the country as children of Shafiul Alam Pradhan.

The EC’s ruling restores JAGPA’s representation in two key northern constituencies ahead of the national election.