Dhaka, May 2 -- The nomination papers of NCP leader Nusrat Tabassum for a reserved women's seat in the 13th parliament have been declared valid.

Returning Officer Md Moin Uddin Khan made the announcement after scrutiny at the Election Commission (EC) headquarters on Saturday.

"We accepted Nusrat Tabassum's nomination paper in line with a court order, and it has been declared valid in [Saturday's] scrutiny," he said.

Nusrat had submitted her nomination paper after the 4pm deadline on Apr 21, the last day for filing nominations, prompting the returning officer to refuse it.

She later challenged the decision in court. The court then ordered the EC to accept the nomination paper and take the next steps in accordance with the law.

Nusrat,...