Leaders of the ruling Awami League from Dhaka-20 constituency (Dhamrai Upazila) are conducting organizational activities regularly centring on the upcoming election, while the MP candidates from the BNP are also on the field as the ruling party is burdened by rivalry.
Local sources said five leaders of the Awami League are expecting nominations in this constituency. On the other hand, three BNP leaders want to contest the election, although the party has been enforcing hartals and blockades against the election process.
Incumbent lawmaker Benjir Ahmed, who is also the president of the Dhaka District Awami League, hopes he will get the nomination again this time. The 71-year-old businessman is also the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Benjir said he has already collected the nomination papers.
“I have done politics in the field all my life. Dhamrai has seen the greatest development in history during my term in office. I’m expecting party nominations this time too,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
Mohaddes Hossain, who left the posts of Dhamrai Upazila Awami League organizing secretary and upazila chairman, is also expecting the party's nomination in the election.
Former MP and Upazila Awami League President MA Malek, businessman Ahmed Al Zaman, and former leader of the Jubo League's Central Committee Mokhles uz Zaman are in the race to get the party ticket too. The aspirants are participating in various political programs with their own followers in the constituency.
Ahmed Al Zaman CIP has been conducting motorcycle processions and public relations against the BNP's movement since October 28. Mohaddes Hossain has been holding programs jointly with Zaman.
On Saturday, Mokhles started his election campaign with leaflet distribution.
When contacted, Ahmad Al Zaman said: “I am working for the party and the local people. I hope to get the nomination for greater service in every union under the Dhamrai police station. Even if I don't get the nomination, I will work for the candidate selected by the party chief.”
Dhaka District Awami League General Secretary Paniruzzaman Tarun said that the parliamentary committee of the party will evaluate nomination papers, and the decision will be taken by party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The Awami League is an election-oriented party. We are ready to make the party candidate win in a festive atmosphere,” he added.
BNP out to regain seat
Sources for the BNP said three leaders are seeking nominations in the upcoming elections.
Upazila BNP President Tamiz Uddin, who got the party's nomination in the 11th parliamentary elections, hopes to get the nomination this time as well.
Former MP and General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal Sultana Ahmed and President of Dhaka District Jubo Dal Yasin Ferdous Murad are also expecting the BNP's nomination.
Tamiz Uddin said: “Whoever the party nominates, we will work for the party. We've got a strong organizational base in Dhamrai. We think it will not be difficult for us to regain the lost seat.”
Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq said their main goal, for now, is to take the street movement forward. “There are also preparations to participate in the elections after the demand is met.”
Besides, Ahsan Khan Achu from the Jatiya Party, Dhamrai Upazila President of the Zaker Party Syed Ahmed, Islami Andolan Bangladesh Dhamrai Thana President Maulana Mohammad Mazharul Islam, and Siam Sarwar Jamil from the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) are expecting nominations from their parties.
When contacted, Sarwar Jamil said: "This is my constituency, but the party's decision is my decision. The party has so far remained steadfast in its decision not to go to the polls.”