All eyes are fixed on Ganabhaban

In a highly anticipated move, the President of the Awami League and Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, is poised to reveal the list of her party's candidates today for contesting the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections, scheduled for January 7. 

All eyes are fixed on Ganabhaban, her official residence, where the announcement is expected to take place.

The decision follows a series of parliamentary board meetings conducted by AL President Sheikh Hasina, culminating in the imminent unveiling of the MP aspirants' names. A staggering 3,362 nomination seekers, including AL leaders, celebrities, former bureaucrats, and police officials, are vying for a coveted spot on the party's ticket.

Ahead of the official announcement, the ruling Awami League is set to hold a views-exchange meeting with the 3,362 nomination seekers. The meeting, scheduled today at 10:00 am at Ganabhaban, will be chaired by Sheikh Hasina, who also serves as the president of the Awami League and its parliamentary nomination board.

AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader urged all members of the election steering committee and nomination seekers to attend the meeting with a National ID photocopy and a copy of their nomination forms.

Notably, sources within the party suggest that Sheikh Hasina is likely to introduce a mix of around 80-90 fresh faces alongside experienced party leaders and current MPs. 

In a statement, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader emphasised that nominations would be granted based on a combination of new and established candidates. He stated, "In some cases, we need to reconsider where the incumbent candidates have lost acceptance to the people."

The primary criterion for nomination, according to Quader, is the electability of candidates. He added, "As for the number of incumbent lawmakers who may be excluded or re-nominated, such figures have not been finalised. We are considering individuals who will enhance our party's standing among the people in the upcoming elections."

Amidst the speculations, notable personalities are emerging as potential candidates. Star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan is reportedly set to embark on a political career with the Awami League's ticket for the Magura-1 constituency. Popular film actor Ferdous Ahmed has been selected to contest for Dhaka-10, and former Dhaka South City Mayor Sayeed Khokon is set to run for Dhaka-6.

However, not all current MPs have secured nominations. Former Chhatra League acting president Shah E Alam and former Awami Swechhasebak League general secretary Pankaj Nath, who are current members of parliament, have not been nominated.

The nomination board's decisions have been met with both surprises and controversies. For instance, the board selected Jahangir Kabir Nanak over Dhaka-13 lawmaker Sadek Khan, and actor Ferdous over Dhaka-10 lawmaker and former FBCCI president Shafiul Islam.

In Barishal, the nomination board made strategic choices, dropping current MP Shah E Alam while selecting former lawmaker Talukder Mohammad Yunus for Barishal-2. The AL also chose International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed for Barishal-4, dropping lawmaker Pankaj Nath.

In a notable development, Irfan Selim, son of Dhaka-7 MP Haji Salim, secured the AL ticket for the constituency. Irfan, his father, and brother Sulaiman Selim had all submitted nomination forms.

As the political landscape takes shape for the 12th parliamentary elections, the Awami League's candidate lineup reflects a mix of experience and fresh faces, creating anticipation and speculation among both party members and the public alike.