Rangpur, Bangladesh – The Election Commission of Bangladesh has completed the verification of nomination papers for three parliamentary constituencies in Rangpur, ruling 19 nominations valid while five candidates’ nominations, including ATM Rakibul Bassar, were rejected. In addition, three nominations were temporarily suspended pending further documentation.
The verification process took place on Saturday, December 2, at the Rangpur Deputy Commissioner’s conference room. Returning Officer Mohammad Mobashwer Hasan oversaw the scrutiny of nominations for Rangpur-1, 2, and 3 constituencies.
Rangpur-3 Highlights
In Rangpur-3, the following candidates were declared valid:
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G.M. Quader (National Party Chairman & Party Candidate)
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Tushar Kanti Mondal (Awami League)
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Layla Anjuman Ara Begum (Jaker Party)
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Shafiul Alam (National Peoples Party)
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Abdur Rahman Reju (Bangladesh Supreme Party)
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Shahidul Islam (JASAD)
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Anwara Islam Rani (Independent, Transgender)
However, ATM Rakibul Bassar, a prominent journalist, media entrepreneur, and the Information & Research Secretary of Dhaka North, Tati League, saw his nomination rejected by the Election Commission due to procedural discrepancies in the submitted documents. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Congress candidate Ekramul Haque’s nomination was temporarily suspended for further review.
Other Constituency Updates
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Rangpur-2: Three nominations were rejected, including two independents, due to inaccurate details and voter documentation issues. National Party and Awami League candidates’ nominations were confirmed valid.
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Rangpur-1: Nine candidates’ nominations were validated. Nominations of Workers Party candidate Bokhtiar Hossain and Bangladesh Cultural Mukti Jote candidate Sabuj Mia were temporarily suspended. One independent candidate, Mosharraf Hossain, had his nomination rejected due to voter information inconsistencies.
The final verification for Rangpur-4, 5, and 6 constituencies is scheduled for Sunday, December 3.
Significance of ATM Rakibul Bassar’s Rejection
ATM Rakibul Bassar’s candidacy had drawn attention due to his high-profile media background as CEO of Youth Bangla TV (UK-based), editor and publisher of Dainik Motprokash and Daily Somoy Ekattor, and advisor at Radio Dhoni 91.2 FM. Known for youth advocacy, social awareness campaigns, and independent journalism, his entry into politics was viewed as a bridge between civil society, media, and political participation.
While his nomination was rejected, political analysts suggest that Bassar’s active engagement with youth and community initiatives could still make him a significant influencer in Rangpur’s political discourse ahead of the elections.
