The election was held on May 9.

The verdict followed a writ petition by Awami League leader Afzal Hossain Rana who lost the polls to Halim Gazi.

A Division Bench of the High Court comprising Justice Joynul Abedin and Justice Sharifuddin Chaklader in a verdict on Sunday declared the polls null and void, according to a fax message received here from Rana's attorney Barrister Md Moksedul Islam.

Halim Gazi was declared elected on May 10. His nearest rival Rana lodged a writ petition on May 22 with the High Court claiming that Halim Gazi was not eligible to contest the polls as he was a loan defaulter and prayed for cancellation of the polls result.

The High Court issued an injunction on oath-taking by Halim Gazi.

Halim Gazi appealed to the Supreme Court against the HC order. The Supreme Court sent the case back to the HC on July 23 for disposal.

After rearing the case on July 26, the HC Bench declared the election null and void as the winner candidate was not eligible to contest the polls because he was loan defaulter.

When contacted, Halim Gazi said he will appeal to the Supreme Court against the HC order.