Staff Reporter :
The High Court on Monday stayed for a week the appellate board’s decision that cancelled the candidacy of Zayed Khan and declared Nipun Akter as the newly-elected general secretary of the Film Artistes’ Association.
The court also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why the appellate board’s decision should not be declared illegal.
The High Court bench of Justice Mamnoon Rahman and Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by Zayed Khan challenging the appellate board’s decision against him
The court said that it would hold hearing on the issue after one week, said lawyer Ahsanul Karim who appeared in the court on behalf of Zayed Khan.
Lawyers Yusuf Hossain Humayun and Nahid Sultana Juthi also appeared in the court hearing on behalf of Zayed Khan, while lawyers Rokanuddin Mahmud and Mustafizur Rahman Khan appeared for Nipun Akter.
Later Ahsanul Karim said that there is no legal bar for his client to perform his duties as general secretary of Film Artists’ Association following the HC order.
On the other hand, Nipun’s lawyers Mustafizur Rahman Khan said they will move an appeal on Tuesday on behalf of Nipun before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court challenging the HC order.
On February 5, Sohanur Rahman Sohan, Head of the appellate board, announced the disqualification of both Zayed Khan and executive panel member Chunnu, through a press conference.
“We have found enough evidence to prove that Zayed Khan was involved in bribing the voters. We got two written statements from people who accepted money from the actor,” said Sohanur Rahman.
“There are also photos and screenshots to prove that he was involved in illegal activities. As a result, we have decided to denounce his candidacy and announce Nipun as the new General Secretary,” he said.
Later a part of the elected body including president Ilias Kanchan and appellate board declared general secretary Nipun took oath on Monday.
