The Election Commission (EC) has cleared former BNP leader Barrister Nazmul Huda to run for polls from Dhaka-17 constituency as an independent candidate.

EC made the decision on Saturday (Dec 8) after hearing a review plea challenging rejection of his nomination by concerned returning officer.

Huda's nomination was initially rejected as he did not specify his party's name or whether he will be contesting polls independently. 

However, on Dec 2, he informed returning officers at the Dhaka Divisional Commissioners' office that he wants to contest from the Awami League.

Huda served as a minister during the 2011 BNP regime.

Later he left the party to form Trinamool BNP which leads a coalition named Bangladesh Nationalist Alliance (BNA).