Election Commission (EC) has declared valid the nomination of Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya and the party’s candidate for Bogura-2 (Shibganj) constituency, for 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Reacting to the decision, Manna said the move proved that attempts to cancel his candidacy had failed.

“First of all, I thank Allah. I was confident that this conspiracy would not succeed,” he said.He said the purpose of scrutiny during the nomination process is not to exclude candidates but to allow them to correct any errors.

Under the law, he noted, candidates are given opportunities to rectify defects in nomination papers or submit supplementary affidavits if needed.

“I have contested elections from Bogura before and am doing so again. Yet the methods used to oppose me this time send ominous signals,” Manna said, adding that the district administration unnecessarily referred the matter to Election Commission. “There was no justification for cancelling my nomination.”

Expressing concern over what he described as attempts to undermine democratic practices, Manna said, “When actions mock the democracy for which we have struggled with blood and lives, all one can do is express sorrow. Seeking power through such means can never be democratic.”

He rejected allegations that he was a bank loan defaulter, calling them completely false.

According to Manna, a fake notice was issued through an official of Islami Bank’s Bogura Barogola branch.
“After the issue came to light, the official contacted the bank’s head office and was later punished through a stand release and transfer. Unfortunately, this fact did not receive media attention,” he said.

Without naming his rivals, Manna said political competition is natural, but conspiracy is not.
“Defeating an opponent by striking below the belt is not politics. You cannot win through conspiracy, and today’s decision proves that,” he said.

He also expressed satisfaction with the Election Commission’s role, saying it had taken a stand in favour of inclusive politics. “The mentality of winning by excluding opponents only stifles democracy,” he added.

However, Manna voiced concern about the role of the administration, particularly the police, alleging a lack of proactive action in many areas.
Regarding support from BNP, Manna said the party’s nominated candidate has not yet withdrawn his nomination.
“But since I was officially announced, I believe withdrawal would be the natural course of action,” he said.