Bangladesh
Awami League A-League unlikely to give chance to current MPs in reserved seats
Dhaka, Jan 27: The ruling Awami League is thinking about not nominating the current MPs of reserved seats to the 12th National Parliament.
The nomination-aspirants have already been informed from the party's high command in the two-phase meeting. Central leaders said, Awami League wants to give opportunity to newcomers in reserved women's seats in the 12th National Parliament. Therefore, those who are currently MPs are not likely to get nominations this time. However, if the High Command wants, there may be differences in the case of two or four people.
The nomination-aspirants held a meeting with the party president at Ganabhaban on Thursday. There 25 to 30 candidates-aspirants spoke. During the meeting, the party chief asked to give opportunity to newcomers in the reserved seats in the 12th Parliament. On Friday evening, the nomination hopefuls held a meeting with the general secretary of Awami League at Sheikh Hasina's political office in Dhanmondi. In both the meetings, the party high command did not nominate the current reserved MPs.
Awami League organizing secretary BM Mozammel Haque, executive member Sahabuddin Farazi and other central leaders were present in the meeting. At that time, leaders of various organizations including some reserved MPs, Jubo Mahila League, Mahila Awami League were present. All of them are candidates for Awami League's nomination in the 12th Parliament.
According to party sources, on Thursday afternoon in the Ganabhaban, nomination-aspirants for the reserved women's seat met with Awami League President Sheikh Hasina. At this time, the women leaders of the party and the aspirants informed the Prime Minister about their desire to get the nomination.
When a member of parliament from the reserved seat went to speak, party president Sheikh Hasina said, "I made you an MP last time. Why are you standing again? Sit down."
Several leaders who participated in the meeting said that when Khaleda Khanom, the reserved member of parliament of Jhenaidah, drew the attention of the party's general secretary, Obaidul Quader said, "Are you running (the current member of parliament)? If running, give others a chance. As far as I know there is no chance of a repeat. Don't stress too much. If the leader gives it to you, you can give it."
At this time Obaidul Quader said to another leader, has any central leader promised that you will get it? The leader replied, no. Then how do you ask whether you will be nominated or not? The woman leader replied, "If you know in advance, it will not cost money."
