Dhaka, Jan. 10 -- On the opening day of appeal hearings at the Election Commission, 51 candidates who had challenged returning officers' disqualification decisions have successfully regained their nominations to run for parliament, while one lost candidacy.

A total of 70 appeal petitions were heard on Saturday at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, all involving objections to returning officers' decisions on nomination papers.

Four election commissioners attended the hearing presided over by the chief election commissioner.

Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said, "Of the appeals, 52 were approved, 15 rejected. Two appellants were absent from the hearing and are included in the rejected list. Three applications remain pending." ...