AL plans popular runners for next nat’l polls
Ruling party Awami League (AL) in its effort to secure victory in the forthcoming 12th parliamentary polls has decided to focus on possible candidates’ popularity and public appeal.
As the AL gears up for the next general election, which is considered crucial for its future, the party leadership has decided to carefully select their candidates.
Shwapno Online Grocery Shopping Insiders within the AL have revealed that the party high-ups will be particularly stringent this time in choosing their Member of Parliament (MP) candidates.
To identify the most promising contenders, the party has already conducted numerous surveys nationwide, excluding the unpopular MPs from the previous national election.
According to the party sources, individuals with strong popularity and recognition in their respective areas will receive nominations to contest the upcoming general elections, scheduled to be held later this year.
Notably, professionals like doctors, players, lawyers, media personalities, and popular talk-show figures are likely to be nominated alongside party leaders and incumbent MPs having good image and popularity.
This selection process was recently observed during the city corporation elections and nomination process meant for the recent by-polls. In the city polls held in Gazipur, Barishal, and Sylhet, as well as the Dhaka-17 by-election, new candidates were chosen – replacing the previous faces.
Speaking to this correspondent on condition of anonymity, a central leader of the AL said, "Our Prime Minister and party President Sheikh Hasina will be meticulous in selecting MP candidates for the next polls. We have already received such information."
When further pressed for details, the source revealed, "As far as I know, Cricket Superstar Shakib Al Hasan is likely to receive the nomination from Dhaka-10 – replacing incumbent MP Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin. Additionally, popular neurologist Professor Dr Quazi Deen Mohammad might be nominated from Faridpur."
The source also said individuals, who actively serve the people, possess popularity, and enjoy acceptance within the party and their respective constituencies, will be given the opportunity to contest the elections.
Meanwhile, AL President Sheikh Hasina, during a recent meeting of the party's highest policymaking body held at Gonobhaban, instructed the party activists to refrain from speaking against each other and to put an end to internal feuds.
Addressing the party's central leaders, she declared, "No internal conflicts will be tolerated within the area of respective constituency. I’ll give approvals. Those interested in securing party nomination should work together in their constituencies. Any involvement in conflicts should be avoided."
Talking to The Daily Messenger, AL Joint Secretary General AFM Bahauddin Nasim said, "Weak ministers and MPs who have tarnished the party's image might not receive tickets to contest the upcoming general elections."
He also said the party president is conducting various surveys to assess their standings.
Nasim said surveys are being conducted through different agencies under the party president's guidance, alongside monitoring the progress of the polls. The party chief has already indicated that endorsements will be based on the findings of these surveys.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already highlighted the upcoming election as a challenging one. She has urged the party leaders to regularly visit their respective constituencies, enhance their capacities, and motivate voters to overcome any barriers to voting.
She has stressed that the performance of each parliament member is being closely monitored. This time, endorsements will not solely be based on appearances – only those who demonstrate competence and enjoy popularity within their respective constituencies will receive endorsements.
In recent times, the ruling party conducted three surveys on various grounds, sources reported. It is believed that based on the results of these surveys, the AL has finalised its candidate selection process.
Reliable sources indicate that the AL will once again assign their party symbol, the 'Boat,' to popular candidates and incumbent lawmakers in 140 seats, which are considered favorable, significantly increasing the chances of victory for the party's candidates in the upcoming general elections, regardless of the circumstances.
The party chief has already given the green signal to more than half of these candidates. They will be participating in the next parliamentary polls for the first time, affirmed the party insiders.
