Former Bangladesh cricket team captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and 23 other leaders are seeking the Awami League's nomination for the Narail-2 constituency.
They have submitted nomination papers for the boat (Awami League's electoral symbol) to contest the upcoming 12th parliamentary election, according to media reports.
Of the 33 Awami League candidates in the district, 24 are seeking the Narail-2 constituency. The presence of so many candidates from the Awami League in this constituency has raised questions, as Mashrafe, being a current Member of Parliament, is also seeking the nomination.
This situation has prompted discussions and speculation about who will get the nomination - whether the previous candidates will continue or new faces will emerge.
The individuals who have purchased nomination papers for the upcoming parliamentary elections to secure Awami League's candidacy include District Awami League General Secretary Nizam Uddin Khan Nilu, District Awami League Vice President SM Asifur Rahman Bappi, Md Hasanuzzaman, Advocate Ayub Ali, District Awami League Joint General Secretary Md Rashidul Bashar Dolar, Science and Technology Affairs Secretary Engineer AM Abdullah, Narail Manupulicity Awami League President Malai Kundu, former Awami League Lohagara general secretary Syed Faizur Amir Litu, Lohagara Awami League President Munshi Alauddin, Awami League leader Md Habibur Rahman Tapas, Central Jubo League Member Advocate Md Tariqul Islam, Kazi Zahidur Rahman, Advocate Farhana Reza Piuli, Barrister Aminur Rahman Alamin, Shamima Sultana, Jasim Uddin Kanak, Monir Hussain, Dr. KM Salahuddin, Nazrul Munshi, Palash Hazra, and Lion Noor Islam. Two others submitted online nominations, but their names have not been released.
Mashrafe bin Mortaza did not respond to calls or messages. District Awami League General Secretary Nizam Uddin Khan Nilu also did not answer.
Another candidate, SM Asifur Rahman Bappi, said: “I come from a political family and was nominated in 2014 but had to withdraw. I am hoping for a nomination this time.”
When asked if the current MP's performance influenced many candidates, Bappi chose not to criticize the MP but mentioned a gap between him and party members.
District Awami League Joint General Secretary Md Rashidul Bashar Dolar said: "I had hoped the current MP would excel in both politics and sports, but it did not happen. There have been various failures, and people's hopes remain unfulfilled."
Veteran politician Malai Kundu said: "I have been in politics for 55 years, faced 174 cases, 36 arrests, and endured army torture twice. Currently, there is no political hierarchy. Even when a BNP or Jamaat worker is looked upon with respect, we have none of that. After years in politics, my candidacy is about standing with the people."
Narail District Bricklayer Association Vice-President Akram Shahid Chunnu said: "There may be more candidates in this constituency for two reasons. First, many leaders here have become seniors and are eligible for parliament. Second, they feel they have to enhance their visibility and meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the nomination board meetings."
Regarding the current member of parliament, he said the incumbent MP for this seat has no weaknesses.