Under the constitutional provisions, Bangladesh gears up for its 12th National election and the Bangladesh Awami League kicked off its bid for the party members to collect nomination paper. On November 18th, the Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the process of collecting nomination paper from the party’s central office at Bangabandhu Avenue. The PM’s nomination paper was collected by the party advisory council member Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed. Following the inauguration, party heavyweights and celebrities have started purchasing nomination papers. Following is a brief profile of noteworthy nomination seekers.
Secretary General Obaidul Quader
Obaidul Quader is probably one of the most prominent political figures in the Awami League. He Has been heavily involved in the parties’ activities since his student life. He played a crucial role in the six-point movement in 1966. A veteran commander of the Liberation War; post-independence, he rose through party ranks through his loyalty, dedication, and determination.
Secretary Quader was the state minister for Youth, Sports, and Cultural Affairs from 1996 to 2001. A significant period followed as the first senior joint general secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League from 26 December 2002 to 26 July 2009. on 5 December 2011, Quader assumed the pivotal role of Minister of Communication. Cementing his political prowess, he secured re-election as a member of parliament on 5 January 2014, representing Noakhali-5 for the third consecutive time in the 10th parliamentary election.
In a testament to his enduring influence within the Awami League, Quader ascended to the position of general secretary in October 2016 during the 20th council of the party. Remarkably, he retained the mantle through the 22nd National Council, marking a third consecutive term at the helm of the Awami League’s general secretary post. His veterancy in politics and his dedication to the part makes him one of the prime candidates during the upcoming election.
Joint Secretary General Dr. Dipu Moni
Joint Secretary General of Awami League and Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni was appointed as the foreign minister from 2009 to 2013. She was elected as the minister of education of Bangladesh in 2019. During her tenure as education minister, she achieved numerous feats, Including the prudent tackling of student welfare and continuation of education during the covid pandemic. She carried out reforms that helped elevate the quality of education across Bangladesh.
Dr Moni has had a prolific career in both academia and politics. In her academic life, Dr. Moni’s achievements are staggering and diverse. She studied medicine and obtained her MBBS from Dhaka Medical College and Hospital and LLB from Bangladesh National University. Dr. Moni expanded her intellectual horizons as an external student, earning a Master of Laws from the University of London.
Her educational repertoire further weaves in a nuanced understanding of negotiations and conflict resolutions, honed through a comprehensive course at Harvard University. This multifaceted educational journey underscores Moni’s commitment to acquiring a diverse skill set, blending medical expertise, legal acumen, and a global perspective on public health and law. It also makes her a highly qualified candidate for the upcoming election.
Saber Hossain Chowdhury
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, currently holding the position as the elected member of Jatiya Sangsad from Dhaka-9, boasts a diverse political career. His foray into governmental roles saw him serve as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Ports & Shipping and later as the deputy minister for Local Government, Rural Development & Cooperatives from 1999 to 2001. Notably, during this period, Chowdhury stood out as the youngest Member of the Cabinet, adding a dynamic facet to the political landscape.
Chowdhury’s trajectory in both governmental and party capacities reflect a nuanced blend of experience and strategic prowess, marking him as a key figure in the political landscape of Dhaka-9 and beyond for the upcoming elections.
Other Key figures and Celebrities
Several prominent figures also collected their nomination on the opening day. S M Rezaul Karim, Fisheries and Livestock Minister and The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council also collected a nomination. A veteran politician who was the former Minister of Housing and Public Works and a supreme court advocate, he has years of experience in the political arena and extensive knowledge in the workings of the government. State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury also collated a nomination form.
Celebrities
Cricketing superstar Shakib al Hasan Collected nomination forms for three constituencies. While Sakib collected from for Dhaka-10, his family members collected forms for Magura-1 and 2. While a surprising development; the fact that the international superstar and athlete has decided to run for election under Awami League’s banner should be a welcome news for the party.
Celluloid Celebrity and actress Mahiya Mahi also purchased a nomination for Chapainawabganj -2. She stated her desire to work for the people of her constituency as the primary reason she decided to seek nomination.
Election Atmosphere
By launching the party nomination, PM Sheikh Hasina has set the correct tone for the nation. The entire nation is now focused on the upcoming election. The continuation of democracy and fulfillment of the people’s will is one step nearer to fruition.
