Dhaka, Jan. 19 -- The Election Commission has completed appeal hearings against returning officers' decisions on nomination papers for the national election, restoring the candidacy of 417 contenders.

With the conclusion of hearings on Sunday, the total number of valid candidates now stands at 2,253.

At the same time, the commission scrapped the nominations of six candidates who had earlier been declared valid.

The ninth and final day of hearings was held from morning to evening at the Election Building in Agargaon, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, with all four election commissioners present.

According to the election schedule, candidates have until Jan 20 to withdraw their nominations.

The final list of conte...