Dhaka, Jan. 12 -- The Election Commission has reinstated the candidacy of Hasnat Quaiyum, president of the Bangladesh Rashtro Songskar Andolon, allowing him to contest the Kishoreganj-5 seat as an independent candidate.

The decision was made on Monday after the commission heard an appeal against an earlier ruling by a returning officer who had rejected Quaiyum's nomination papers.

The appeal hearing was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and attended by four other election commissioners.

Quaiyum's nomination was rejected on Jan 3 over discrepancies in the list of supporters required for independent candidates, who must submit signatures from at least 1 percent of voters in their constituency. The commission said the...