Abu Jakir :
The race for the prestigious reserved seats intended for women lawmakers in Bangladesh has escalated as the ruling Awami League (AL) began distributing nomination forms on Tuesday.
A wide range of candidates, including former Members of Parliament, celebrities, social activists, and prominent figures from the entertainment industry, are keenly contesting for these nominations.
The Election Commission has scheduled the election for these reserved seats on March 14.
The focus was on the Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in Gulistan, where a vibrant crowd gathered from early morning to purchase nomination forms.
The day saw a notable presence of celebrities including Apu Biswas, Sohana Saba, Nipun Akter, Tareen Jaman, and Sayeda Kamrun Nahar Shahnur among the aspirants. On the first day alone, 810 nomination forms were sold, with the AL planning to nominate candidates for 48 reserved seats in the 12th parliament.
These hopefuls have been active at various events at Gano Bhaban and the AL Chief Sheikh Hasina’s political office in Dhanmondi, as well as visiting the homes of influential AL leaders, showcasing their determination to be part of the parliament.
The AL has indicated a preference for selecting new faces, especially those who have been overlooked in the past. This includes leaders who were nominated in the last elections but had to step aside for alliance candidates, as well as those who supported their party’s candidate after receiving a nomination themselves.
The party is considering endorsing female leaders from the Awami League Central Working Committee, district-level leaders, and former and current leaders of the Bangladesh Mohila Awami League and the Jubo Mohila League, in addition to individuals from the cultural and entertainment sectors.
In the 12th national election, the Awami League won 223 out of 299 seats, with one seat’s voting postponed. Prominent leaders such as Faridunnahar Laily and Shirin Akhtar are in the mix for a reserved seat nomination. Monnujan Sufian, a former State Minister, and central leaders like Shammi Ahmed, Shamsunnahar Champa, and others are also contenders.
From the grassroots level, Koheli Kuddus Mukti from Natore and Jakiya Sultana Shefali from Chandpur are potential parliament members through the reserved seats. Nehrin Mostafa Dishi, related to Sheikh Kamal, and family members of martyrs and prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Apu Biswas and Nipun Akter, are among the aspirants.
AL Joint General Secretary, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, emphasized that competence, honesty, and dedication are crucial for the allocation of reserved seats, with a focus on individuals or family members who have suffered during the BNP-Jamaat alliance government.