Photo : Messenger
The race for reserved seats for aspiring women lawmakers has reached a fever pitch with the commencement of the 12th national parliament session scheduled for January 30.
A multitude of women, ranging from former Members of Parliament (MPs) to notable figures in the entertainment industry, are fervently seeking a place on the Awami League's (AL) list of potential nominees.
In their pursuit, these aspiring candidates have been actively attending various events at the Gano Bhaban and AL chief Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi political office. Additionally, they are making visits to the residences of influential AL leaders, showcasing their dedication to secure a spot in the upcoming parliamentary assembly.
Sources within the Awami League indicate that female leaders who were initially nominated but withdrew due to seat-sharing arrangements with the alliance, will be given priority in the selection process. This strategic move is part of the party's commitment to recognising and promoting women leaders who faced initial setbacks.
The Awami League, being a dominant political force, plans to prioritise candidates nominated by those who were deprived in the last previous years. In the recently held national elections, individuals nominated by the party but subjected to deprivation and those who later supported the alliance candidate after winning the party's nomination are likely to be endorsed and nominated to contest for the reserved seats.
Key leaders of the Awami League emphasise that 5-7 leaders from the of Awami League Central Working Committee may secure positions in the parliamentary assembly through these reserved seats. This includes female leaders at the district level, former and current leaders of the Bangladesh Mohila Awami League and the Jubo Mohila League, as well as individuals from various cultural and entertainment backgrounds.
The allocation of reserved seats among political parties is proportional to the seats won in the general elections. For every six general seats, one reserved seat is allocated. Independent candidates also get reserved seats based on this ratio.
In the 12th national election, out of the 300 seats, 299 have been voted upon, with one seat's voting postponed. Awami League secured victory in 223 out of 299 seats, while the National Party won 11 seats. Independent candidates clinched 62 seats, all of whom are allied with the Awami League.
The expected allocation for the Awami League is at least 37 reserved seats, with independents expected to receive 10. However, if independents join the Awami League after the parliament is formed, the allocation may change, possibly securing all 48 reserved seats for the Awami League and two for the National Party.
Prominent leaders, including Faridunnahar Laily and Shirin Akhtar, are also part of this dynamic landscape. Faridunnahar Laily, the Agriculture Affairs Secretary of Awami League, was initially nominated for Lakshmipur-4 but withdrew due to a 14-party alliance agreement. Shirin Akhtar, the General Secretary of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, also awaits endorsement.
Former State Minister of Labour and Employment Monnujan Sufian, overlooked for the nomination this time, might find her way into the parliament through the reserved seats. Central leaders, including Shammi Ahmed, Shamsunnahar Champa, Rokeya Sultana, Sanzida Khanam, and Tarana Halim, are also under consideration.
In Natore-4 constituency, Koheli Kuddus Mukti, the former vice-president of the Jubo Mohila League, sought the party's nomination. Her late father, Abdul Kuddus, served as the president of the Natore district Awami League and was a multiple-time Member of Parliament for Natore-4. Koheli Kuddus Mukti is now a potential Member of Parliament from the reserved seats and is an active member of the Natore district Awami League.
Meanwhile, in Chandpur-2 constituency, Jakiya Sultana Shefali, a member of the Chandpur district Awami League, aspired for the nomination. She stands as a potential Member of Parliament from the reserved seats allocated for the district.
Discussions about reserved seats also include Nehrin Mostafa Dishi, the niece of Sheikh Kamal, the son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's wife, Shahid Sultana Kamal. Dishi was a nominee for the Awami League's nomination for Dhaka-6 constituency and currently serves as a member of the International Affairs Subcommittee of the Awami League.
Prominent figures from families of martyrs are actively being considered for reserved seats, including Shami Kaysar, daughter of martyr Intellectual Shahidullah Kaysar; Shaon Mahmud, daughter of Altaf Mahmud; and Parveen Jaman Kalpana, daughter of language hero Professor Kamruzzaman.
From the entertainment industry, one or two individuals may secure seats in Parliament. Numerous actors are currently vying for parliamentary positions, including Apu Biswas, Rokeya Prachi, Tarin Jahan, Tanvin Sweety, skilled actress Nipun, and Mahiya Mahi.
As the names of individuals at various levels are under consideration, the party is cautious not to repeatedly select candidates for the reserved seats to avoid concerns of exclusion. Kazi Jafar Ullah, Co-Chairman of the Election Steering Committee, emphasizes considering factors such as prior parliamentary service, long-term party contributions, and familial ties to the Awami League.
The Joint General Secretary of the Awami League, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, emphasized, "Competence, honesty, and dedication are paramount in the allocation of reserved seats. The Awami League will give priority to individuals or family members who have endured oppression and terrorism during the BNP-Jamaat alliance government. If deemed suitable, they will be considered for reserved seats."
Messenger/Fameema
