There was an idea among many leaders and activists that he would become an MP if he got the nomination from Awami League in the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election. But that thinking has changed on November 26 through an announcement made by Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina at Gana Bhavan.
Many Awami League leaders are expressing their intention to contest the upcoming poll. The Prime Minister during the exchange of views with the Awami League aspirants declaring that there is no restriction on contesting as an independent candidate and no decision will be taken against them on a party basis.
The organizing secretary of the central Awami League Advocate Afzal Hossain has got party nomination.
However, several sources have confirmed that several leaders associated with Awami League politics are participating in the election as independent candidates in Patuakhali-1 (Sadar Upazila, Dumki Upazila, Mirzaganj Upazila).
Among them, Patuakhali District Awami League Vice President Patuakhali Sadar Upazila and former chairman of Patuakhali Pourashava Bir Muktijoddha Adv. Sultan Ahmed Mridha. Former Chairman of Patuakhali Sadar Upazila and General Secretary of Patuakhali Poura Awami League Adv. Tarikuzzaman Moni. Tarikuzzaman Moni is the second son of Patuakhali-1 MP late Shahjahan Mia.
When asked about this, Adv. Sultan Ahmed Mridha said, I do not want to vote against the boat. But there is pressure from my leaders and activists and well-wishers for me to participate in the elections. They may have to participate in elections to keep their word. However, no final decision has been made yet.
Apart from this, Jatiya Party Co-Chairman Patuakhali-1 Constituency former Member of Parliament ABM Ruhul Amin Howladar is participating in the election from this constituency. Nomination papers have been collected from Patuakhali District Senior Election Officer's office on November 27.
Awami League's nomination for Patuakhali 2 (Bauphal) seat is the seven-time Member of Parliament Bauphal Upazila Awami League President, former Chief Whip ASM Feroze.
Prominent industrialist Hasibur Rahman Talukder is rumored to be the leader of the election as an independent candidate from this seat. He also wanted the nomination of Awami League in the 12th national election. Besides, he was also active in various political activities of Awami League in the last few years.
Present member of Parliament SM Shazhada has received Awami League's nomination from Patuakhali-3 Constituency. Although SM Shahzada is not very rich in the field of politics of Awami League, he is known in the country's politics as the nephew of former CEC KM Nurul Huda.
Former army officer Lieutenant General Md. Abul Hossain is going to participate in the election as an independent candidate from this seat. He expected Awami League's party nomination this time.
Current Member of Parliament Mohibbur Rahman Mohib has been nominated by Awami League for Patuakhali-4 Constituency (Kalapara Upazila-Rangabali Upazila).
Kalapara Upazila Awami League president Mahbubur Rahman Talukder is going to contest as an independent candidate from this seat. A social media campaign has already started about him.
Abdullah Al Islam Liton, son of the late Member of Parliament of this constituency Anwarul Islam, is in discussion. Apart from this, the current chairman of Rangbali upazila Zahiruddin has collected nomination papers to participate in the election as an independent candidate.
Awami League's nominated leaders are worried about the participation of independent candidates in the election.
Many are worried that due to fair voting, the calculation of votes may be changed in many constituencies. Ordinary voters think that the mood of the election can be returned to some extent by this strategy of Awami League. As a result, the importance of ordinary voters will increase in the election field.
However, in such a situation, many people think that the internal conflict of the party can be strengthened again.
Abdur Rahim, a resident of Kalatala area of Patuakhali town, said, "The election has been scheduled and the nomination papers are being filed, but people are not getting any heat from the election." But on the 26th, when the Prime Minister announced that independent candidates can contest the election, the situation changed a bit. Many are discussing the election. If the vote environment is good, let's go to the center to vote.