Dhaka, Dec. 24 -- The High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna challenging his status as a loan defaulter, creating a legal hurdle to his participation in the parliamentary polls.

Deputy Attorney General Muhammad Shafiqur Rahman said the court order means Manna will not be eligible to take part in the next national election.

The order was passed on Wednesday after a High Court bench comprising Justice Md Bazlur Rahman and Justice Md Manjur Alam held a preliminary hearing on the writ petition.

Senior lawyers Ahsanul Karim and Jyotirmoy Barua argued for Manna, while DAG Shafiqur represented the state.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, Shafiqur said Manna had sought a directive to remove his name...