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The integrity of the upcoming Bangladesh national elections has come under intense scrutiny as a heated debate erupts over the dual citizenship status of high-profile candidates arriving from the United Kingdom and the United States. While constitutional mandates strictly prohibit dual citizens from holding a seat in Parliament, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over several heavyweight contenders who are accused of using "legal smoke and mirrors" to bypass scrutiny. Reports suggest that many candidates are attempting to cross the electoral finish line by merely submitting letters from their lawyers Notarized affidavits or acknowledgments of receipt for submitted applications rather than providing the definitive certification required by law, Daily Dazzling Dawn realized.
The controversy centers on several prominent figures, including Barrister A.K.M. Kamruzzaman, Dr. Moniruzzaman, M.A. Malik, Faisal Chowdhury, BNP candidate Shawkatul Islam Shaku from Moulvi bazar-2 (Kulaura) constituency and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Barrister Nazrul Islam. Among the UK-based diaspora candidates, only Koysor M. Ahmed has been confirmed as holding a sole Bangladeshi passport. For the others, the lack of final proof regarding the surrender of their British or American nationalities has sparked a backlash within the diaspora community and legal circles alike. In the Sylhet-3 constituency, the BNP candidate has repeatedly assured journalists of his status, yet the absence of a verified "Certificate of Renunciation" continues to fuel skepticism.
The Complex Reality of Renouncing Foreign Nationality-Renouncing foreign citizenship is far from a simple administrative task; it is a rigorous legal procedure governed by strict international protocols. Under Section 12 of the British Nationality Act 1981, a citizen must formally submit a "Declaration of Renunciation" (Form RN) accompanied by a fee of £482. Legal experts in London emphasize that a person remains a British citizen until the Secretary of State officially registers the declaration. Barrister Md Iqbal Hossain principal solicitor of Chancery Solicitors Ltd clarified that even after a successful application, the individual does not automatically regain their prior residency rights, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
A similar, and perhaps even more stringent, process applies to those holding American passports. According to Section 349(a) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, a person must appear in person before a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy outside of America to take a formal oath of renunciation. This process carries a significant fee of $2,350 and is only finalized once the State Department issues a "Certificate of Loss of Nationality" (CLN). This decision is irrevocable, making it a high-stakes move for any politician seeking office in Bangladesh.
Constitutional Violations and the Failure of Oversight-The core of the crisis lies in what many call a "mathematical deception" or a "Shubhankar’s trick" played upon the Election Commission. Barrister Tareq Chowdhury, head of Kingdom Solicitors in London, pointed out that many candidates are exploiting the leniency of local Returning Officers by submitting mere "acknowledgment copies" of their applications instead of final certificates. This creates a dangerous legal vacuum where a candidate could theoretically withdraw their renunciation application after their nomination is validated, effectively remaining a foreign citizen while serving as a Bangladeshi lawmaker.
This practice stands in direct violation of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which explicitly disqualifies dual citizens from parliamentary candidacy. Legal analysts warn that if these nominations are challenged in the High Court, dozens of candidates could face immediate disqualification. The consensus among experts is clear: unless the Election Commission mandates the submission of a final, foreign-government-issued "Certificate of Renunciation," the constitutional sanctity of the Parliament remains at risk. As the election draws nearer, the resolution of this citizenship deadlock will determine not only the fate of these heavyweight candidates but also the credibility of the entire electoral process.
