Dhaka, Jan. 9 -- A total of 645 aspirants filed appeal petitions with the Election Commission before the deadline expired on Friday, challenging returning officers' decisions on the rejection and acceptance of nomination papers for the February 12 national election.

Most of the petitions were submitted from January 5 to 9 against the cancellation of nomination papers during the scrutiny.

On the last day, 176 aggrieved aspirants submitted the petitions, said EC Director (Public Relations) Ruhul Amin Mollik on Friday.

The Election Commission will hear and dispose of the petitions from Saturday to January 18.

On Saturday, the Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir, will hear 70 petitions (the serial no 1-70) at Nirb...