The ruling Awami League has begun making extensive preparations for the 12th national parliament election scheduled for January 7, even as uncertainty looms over the participation of the BNP and other like-minded political parties.
Awami League's top leadership has stressed its commitment to adhering to the rules and regulations set by the Election Commission for the parliamentary election, irrespective of whether other political parties decide to join the electoral race.
Insiders revealed that the Awami League would maintain a wait-and-see approach until the final day of the nomination paper submission for the BNP and other opposition parties. Only then will they determine their final strategy concerning party nominations and seat-sharing with alliance parties. With numerous parties forming part of the Awami League electoral alliance and several new parties expressing interest, strategic decisions for the upcoming election are pivotal.
Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif on Friday told Dhaka Tribune: "Awami League has initiated comprehensive election plans as a party. Leaders and activists of Awami League across the country are already excited. From Saturday, we will start distributing the party nomination forms, beginning with the first form to Awami League President Sheikh Hasina. Hopefully, other registered political parties will also commence their electoral preparations this week. This 12th national parliament election is going to be participatory."
Responding to a question, Hanif said: "On Friday, our party president urged the BNP and other parties to participate in the poll because participating in the poll is the only way to judge a political party's popularity and credibility. We will suggest BNP stop terrorism and vandalism and encourage them to follow the election process, just as other parties are doing. No one can stop the election. If BNP leaders continue vandalism to thwart the election, no one will go unpunished; everyone will face the consequences."
Another joint general secretary, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, reported that the first election steering committee meeting was held on Friday, outlining basic electoral processes. The election strategy will be updated and finalized later, with time available until the final date of the nomination paper submission to determine the party's nomination strategy.
Party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held the first meeting with the Awami League election steering committee members at the Dhaka District office in Tejgaon on Friday. In compliance with election rules, Sheikh Hasina did not arrange that meeting at her official residence, Ganabhaban.
Following this meeting, Awami League formed the complete election steering committee for the parliamentary election, chaired by Sheikh Hasina, with Awami League Presidium member Kazi Zafrullah as the co-chairman and General Secretary Obaidul Quader as the member secretary.
All members of Awami League's central working committee and advisory council, along with the President and General Secretary of Awami League's associate bodies and Dhaka City units, became members of the election steering committee.
In addition, the party established 15 sub-committees to accelerate communication and other tasks before the election, including the manifesto sub-committee, legal sub-committee, Election Commission coordination sub-committee, office sub-committee, election observer sub-committee, liaison sub-committee, polling agent training sub-committee, publicity sub-committee, Media sub-committee, professionals sub-committee, IT sub-committee, foreign mission sub-committee, cultural sub-committee, finance sub-committee, and religious sub-committee.
Awami League Presidium members and advisory council members lead the majority of sub-committees. These committees will conduct several meetings with sector experts before the election.
AL nomination form distribution from Saturday
The Awami League is set to begin the distribution of nomination forms for the upcoming parliamentary elections starting on Saturday.
Party President Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the distribution process from the central office at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue in the morning.
Aspiring candidates within the party can acquire and submit nomination papers from November 18-21 at the designated collection and submission points.
According to an Awami League press release, the distribution and submission of nomination forms will take place daily between 10am and 4pm.
Nomination papers for candidates in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram divisions will be available on the second floor. In contrast, those for Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Barishal divisions can be obtained from the third floor. Nomination papers for all divisions will be received on the ground floor of the central office.
Criteria to receive nomination form
To streamline the process, AL nomination aspirants have the option to personally collect and submit their application forms or delegate a representative for the task, with no additional gathering required at the party office.
During the application form collection, candidates must present a photocopy of their National Identity Card (NID), and the photocopy should clearly display the candidate's mobile number, three held positions, and current organizational identity.
The deadline for submitting the nomination forms is 4pm on November 21, as stated in the press release.
The price of the nomination form is Tk50 thousand, which is non-refundable. Nomination seekers can collect and submit forms online this time with digital banking.
