Dhaka, April 27 -- The Election Commission has upheld the decision of the returning officer to cancel the candidacy of NCP's Monira Sharmin for a reserved women's seat in parliament as three years have not yet passed since her resignation from government service.

Monira has said she will now go to the High Court to regain her candidacy.

She had submitted her nomination paper for a reserved women's seat in the 13th Parliament, but it was rejected during scrutiny by the returning officer.

The NCP member then appealed to the Election Commission to restore her candidacy. The appeal hearing was held on Monday, presided by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin.

Asked about the decision, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said:...