JP names candidates

Jatiya Party yesterday finalized its candidates for the by-elections to three parliamentary constituencies -- Sylhet-3, Dhaka-14 and Cumilla-5 -- scheduled to be held on July 14.

The candidates are Atikur Rahman Atik (Sylhet-3), Mostakur Rahman Mostak (Dhaka-14) and Jashim Uddin (Cumilla-5). 

The JP selection board finalised the candidates at a meeting held at the party's chairman GM Quader's office at the capital's Banani.

Earlier, the party strongly opposed the Election Commission's decision of holding the by-polls on July 14 as it coincided with the death anniversary of its founder and late president HM Ershad.

Ruling Awami League is yet to announce its candidates for the by-polls.

BNP standing committee has decided not to take part in the elections, citing possible vote rigging and irregularities.

According to the EC polls schedule, the last day for submission of nomination papers is June 15, selection of nomination papers is on June 16, the last day for withdrawal is June 23 and symbols will be allotted on June 24.

Sylhet-3 seat fell vacant following ruling Awami League MP Mahmud Us Samad Chowdhury's death on March 11, Dhaka-14 following AL MP Aslamul Hoque's death on April 4, and Cumilla-5 after AL MP Abdul Matin Khasru's death on April 14.