Supporters of Awami League's expelled mayor Jahangir Alam have collected nomination papers for him for the Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) elections.
Nomination paper has also been collected for Jahangir Alam's mother Zayda Khatun for the mayor position.
Gazipur City Corporation Election Returning Officer Faridul Islam said: "Jahangir's representative collected the two nomination papers from the returning officer around 3 pm on Wednesday."
Jahangir Alam said: "Out of love my supporters collected the nomination papers on behalf of myself and for my mother. They collected the nomination papers from the returning officer's office."
The nomination forms will be submitted by Thursday noon, he added.
Jahangir Alam sought party nomination for mayor post from Awami League but the party nominated Gazipur Metropolitan Awami League President Advocate Azmat Ulla Khan.
Deprived of party nomination, he said: "I was born in Gazipur. I grew up in Gazipur. If they want I will participate in the election."
Jahangir said: "I will also move towards where the wind is going." As a resident of Gazipur, I will stand by the people and the voters of Gazipur if they want. If the people of Gazipur want, I will participate in the elections."
It was confirmed that he will participate in the election as an independent candidate.
When asked about the sudden bringing forward of his mother, Jahangir's supporters said the Awami League leader is ready to take challenges in the upcoming election. However, if there is any pressure on Jahangir from the party because he is a rebel candidate, the supporters will take continue their campaign with his mother as an alternative. That is why the leader's mother Zayda Khatun has also agreed to participate in the election.
Earlier in the day, four other candidates collected their nomination papers as well.
According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission, the candidates can collect and submit the nomination papers within April 27.
Selection of nominations on April 30, last date for withdrawal of candidature is May 8.
Symbols will be allotted on May 9 and voting will be held on May 25.
