HC rejects writ, Manna disqualified from contesting polls

The High Court on Wednesday rejected a writ petition filed by Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, seeking a directive to remove his name from the list of loan defaulters – effectively barring him from contesting the upcoming National Parliament elections.

The order was passed by a High Court bench comprising Justice Bazlur Rahman and Justice Manjur Alam on December 24.

Senior lawyer Ahsanul Karim, who appeared for Manna along with Barrister Jyortimay Barua, confirmed the development to Jago News. Deputy Attorney General Shafiqur Rahman represented the state during the hearing.

As part of an alliance-based electoral arrangement, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had earlier agreed to leave the Bogura-2 constituency for Manna in the 13th National Parliament election. The court’s decision now renders him ineligible to run for the post of Member of Parliament.

According to court documents, Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited’s Bogura Baragola branch on December 10 issued a ‘call-back notice’ to Afaku Cold Storage Limited, a company led by Manna, demanding repayment of defaulted loans amounting to Tk 384.76 crore.

The notice, sent to Manna and his two business partners, directed them to clear the outstanding amount by December 18, warning that legal action would be initiated in case of non-compliance.

FH/NMA