Ivy: I will seek nomination from Awami League

Selina Hayat Ivy, a popular figure in Narayanganj politics, said she would seek nomination from Awami League, although Narayanganj city unit Awami League had already proposed the names of three leaders, excluding her, as mayoral candidates for the upcoming city polls. The doctor turned politicians said she did not get shocked when she knew that her name was excluded from party leaders' list. She said: “It can happen with anyone. As Awami League is a big political party, it has so many factions. Party high command is the ultimate decision maker.” Replying to a question, she said: “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is now out of the county. I will meet her after she returns to country from Morocco.” On Tuesday afternoon, city unit Awami League at an extended meeting proposed the names of three leaders to central committee as mayoral candidates. The proposed candidates are Anwar Hossain, Awami League district unit president, Mojibur Rahman, president of Siddhirganj upazila unit Awami League, and MA Rashid, Bandar upazila unit president. The meeting was presided over by Chandon Shil, acting president of Narayanganj city unit Awami League. After the meeting, Chandon said they had proposed the names of three leaders following a direction of Awami League central committee. Replying to a question, he said: “We did not put the name of Selina Hayat Ivy in the list, as nobody, who were present at the meeting, did not propose her name as mayoral candidate.” Central committee has asked the city Awami League to propose the names of three candidates considering their acceptance and popularity by November 20. Narayanganj City Corporation will go to polls on December 22, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad made the announcement of polls schedule at the media centre of the Election Commission Secretariat on Monday. As per the schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers is November 24, while the date for the scrutiny of the nomination papers is on November 26-27 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is December 4. The election symbol will be allocated among the contestants on December 5. The maiden election to NCC was held on October 30, 2011. Dr Selina Hayat Ivy was elected country’s first female city mayor defeating Awami League-backed candidate Shamim Osman.