Dhaka, Jan. 5 -- Former NCP leader Tasnim Jara has filed an appeal with the Election Commission (EC), announcing she will pursue legal action to contest in the Dhaka-9 seat as an independent candidate.

Speaking to journalists at the EC office on Monday after submitting her appeal, Jara said she would continue the fight "out of respect" for the supporters.

She added, "As you have seen, in just one and a half days nearly 5,000 people voluntarily signed in support of us, showing immense love and even volunteering at polling booths.

"Those who signed want me to contest in the election, so we filed the appeal."

Jara's lawyer Arman Hossain expressed hope that a legal victory in the appeal would allow her to contest in Dhaka-9 as an independ...