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The ruling Awami League (AL) is set to introduce 80-90 fresh faces as candidates in the upcoming general elections in a strategic move to revamp its image and address concerns surrounding corruption and the drug trade within its ranks.
This development comes amidst speculations that the party’s arch-rival BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) may opt to boycott the parliamentary polls scheduled for January 7 next year.
The party sources reveal that this initiative is part of a deliberate effort to sideline approximately 80 to 90 of the current 261 AL lawmakers.
The decision is reportedly influenced by concerns over perceived misdeeds and a decline in popularity among some party members, they viewed, adding that the move signals a commitment to rejuvenate the party's image and reinforce its dedication to addressing internal challenges.
Led by its formidable leader Sheikh Hasina, the party aims to bring about a significant shift in its nomination strategy. The focus will be on selecting leaders who demonstrate unwavering dedication, commitment, and popularity within both the party and their respective constituencies. Insiders suggest that individuals facing allegations of notoriety, controversy, corruption, or involvement in the drug trade, as well as those experiencing a decline in popularity or advancing in age, may find themselves excluded from the electoral contest.
The sources indicate that the geographical distribution of party favor has shifted, with more MPs from Chattogram, Barishal, and the northern region facing potential exclusion compared to other regions. The party's nomination strategy is expected to prioritize young, popular, and dedicated leaders, while also considering the nomination of former MPs with a long history of serving the party.
Among the fresh faces expected to receive party tickets for the upcoming general elections are ace Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, who has collected nomination forms for Dhaka-10 and Magura-1, 2. Other potential candidates include Md. Aminul Haque Shamim, Mymensing AL vice president for Mymensingh-7, Central Jubo League leader Rafiqul Islam from Satkhira-1, former vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Professor Anwar Hossain for Netrokona-5, and former Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman Mohammad Sadiq for Sunamganj-4.
Renowned film actor Masum Parvej Rubel is expected to contest from Barishal-3, with actress Shomi Kaiser eyeing Feni-3. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Haque is a potential candidate for Shariatpur-1, and Swechchasebok League leader Kamrul Hassan Ripon is being considered for Dhaka-5. Additionally, Mohammad Solaiman Selim, son of AL leader Haji Selim, is in line for Dhaka-7, while Golam Rabbani and Asaduzzaman Asad are expected to represent Rajshahi-2 and Rajshahi-3, respectively.
In the 2018 general elections, the ruling Awami League introduced approximately 50 new candidates while omitting 38 MPs from its roster. According to party insiders, following a similar strategy, the Awami League is likely to reserve around 70 seats for its allies, including Jatiya Party and others. However, for strategic reasons, AL President Sheikh Hasina is expected to personally nominate 220-230 candidates from within her party to participate in the upcoming polls, maintaining a consistent approach observed in previous elections.
Reports from government sources suggest that dissatisfaction with the party's representatives is particularly pronounced in regions such as Chattogram, Barishal, and the northern areas.
According to Lt. Col. (Retd) Muhammad Faruk Khan, the party has outlined five key criteria for selecting candidates: popularity, involvement with the party, organisational capacity, performance over the past five years, and public image. He emphasised that the party chief, Sheikh Hasina, will evaluate candidates based on these criteria before making final nominations.
In response to a query, he stated, "Based on the survey reports in this regard, I believe that approximately one-third of the MPs are perceived as weak. Consequently, the nominations for 80–90 constituencies may undergo changes."
"It's inevitable that the Awami League has faced more criticism than any other party during its 14-year tenure in power. The party aims to pleasantly surprise the people by introducing fresh candidates into the electoral fray," said a member of the AL nomination board.
Moreover, speculation is rife that central AL leaders like Presidium Members Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Abdur Rahman, Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organising Secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, and Central Committee Members Anwar Hossain, Sahabuddin Farazi, and Golam Rabbani Chinu, who were overlooked in the previous election, might secure nominations this time around.
Earlier on 15 November, the Election Commission (EC) announced the polls schedule for the 12th Jatiya Sangsad election that is to be held on 7 January. Political parties will be able to submit nominations for candidacies till 30 November.
The EC will scrutinise the nomination submissions from 1-4 December. Appeals against the nominations can be submitted from 6-15 December and nominations need to be withdrawn by 17 December.
Political parties will be able to distribute symbols within 18 December and the election campaign will officially kick off on 18 December. The campaign duration will end at 8:00am on 5 January.
Messenger/Disha
