Around 12 female politicians have been actively working to be nominated for the two parliamentary seats reserved for women, in Sylhet division.
Of the four districts in Sylhet division, the Sylhet and Habiganj districts are represented by one female MP, in a reserved seat; while Sunamganj and Moulvibazar are represented by another.
Keya Chowdhury (Sylhet-Habiganj) and Advocate Shahana Rabbani (Sunamganj-Moulvibazar) held the parliamentary seats in the 10th parliamentary election.
Apart from these two, other contenders who are hoping to receive nominations are: former MP Syeda Jebunnesa Haque; Syeda Saira Mohsin the wife of the late former Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali; central Mahila League leader Advocate Mahfuza Begum Sayeda; Sylhet district Awami League’s Women Affairs Secretary Naznin Hossain; Sylhet district Awami League President Ruby Fatema Islam; Women's Awami League President Asma Kamran; Sylhet Divisional Sports Association General Secretary of Marian Chowdhury Mammy, female Awami League leader Dr Najra Chowdhury; Sylhet Zila Parishad member AZ Rowshan Zebin Ruba; and Krishak League’s central leader Advocate Shamima Shahriar.
Among them, some were nomination-aspirants during the 11th parliamentary election. However, after the general polls, they are campaigning for a place in the parliamentary seats reserved for women.
Some have even been lobbying the party’s high command, and have moved to Dhaka to be noticed by the party’s senior leaders.
After speaking to many Awami League leaders, the correspondent found that the party will prioritize selecting new faces to create opportunities for new leadership.
Awami League's central Organizing Secretary Advocate Misbah Uddin Siraj told the Dhaka Tribune: “In the four districts of Sylhet division, there are times when one female candidate is nominated, or sometimes two.
“We are hopeful there will be two female MPs this time. However, the decision completely depends on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
Meanwhile, the first session of the 11th parliament will begin on January 30. MPs of reserved seats for women might be elected before the beginning of the session.
Awami League will start selling nomination forms, to the candidates for the women’s reserved seats, on Tuesday.
A gazette notification about the MPs elected to the 300 seats of the 11th parliament was published on January 1.
In accordance with election laws, the Election Commission will publish the voter list for the reserved seats for women within 30 working days after the publication of the gazette notification.
