Dhaka: The Supreme Court Appellate Division on Wednesday upheld the High Court (HC) order rejecting Krishak Sramik Janata League president Kader Siddique’s plea for participating in the Tangail‐4 by‐election.

The full bench of the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice SK Sinha, passed the order in the morning.

As per the order of the Appellate Division, Kader Siddique cannot take part in the by‐election for Tangail‐4 constituency, clearing the way to hold the election, said Election Commission (EC) lawyer Barrister Mohammad Yasin Khan.

On 1 September, 2015, Awami League lawmaker of Tangail‐4 Abdul Latif Siddique resigned in the face of widespread criticism for his derogatory remarks over hajj.

Later, the EC fixed 10 November in the same year for holding the by‐polls in the constituency.

The returning officer on 13 October cancelled the nomination paper of Kader Siddique on the ground of loan default.

The Krishak Shramik Janata League leader appealed with the EC against the decision, but the commission rejected his plea again.

Following this, Kader filed a writ petition with the HC challenging the legality of the cancellation of his candidature.

After a government petition against the HC order, the Appellate Division on 27 October stayed the election.

On 4 February, 2016, the HC rejected the writ petition.

Later on 25 February, he filed a leave‐to‐appeal with the Supreme Court against the HC order.