Dhaka, April 23 -- The disqualification of a candidate from the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance has triggered questions over the fate of a reserved women's seat in parliament, with election officials suggesting an open by-election may be required if the decision stands.

Monira Sharmin, joint convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP) had her nomination papers rejected on Thursday.

Returning Officer Moin Uddin Khan cited a breach of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), which mandates a three-year "cooling-off" period for government employees after resignation or retirement before seeking election.

Monira joined Bangladesh Krishi Bank in November 2023 and resigned only in December last year, failing to meet the statutory requirem...