AL to announce candidates for 300 seats by Sunday: Quader
Shakib Al Hasan may receive an Awami League nomination from any constituency, said Quader.
Awami League's general secretary Obaidul Quader said the Awami League will finalise the names of the party's candidates in the 12th national election by next Sunday.
Quader, also roads and bridges minister, said that candidates for four divisions have been finalised so far. Candidates for 300 seats will be announced on Sunday.
He said this in a press conference at the Awami League President's political office in Dhanmondi Friday afternoon.
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In reference to the candidate selection process, Quader mentioned that some current members of parliament from the Awami League were stepping back from the election race.
"Younger candidates with relative popularity among the people were being favoured. Decisions regarding alliances and rebel candidates would be addressed later," Quader added.
Quader also mentioned that several members of the BNP are preparing to participate in the elections. "It cannot be ruled out that the BNP will not join the elections. There is still a chance for the BNP to participate, perhaps not as a party, but many of its members are preparing to run as candidates. We have received such information."
Quader criticised the BNP's role in recent movements, accusing them of attempting to disrupt the country's economy through violent means. He said elections cannot be foiled by covert attacks.
Responding to reports about a meeting between the US Ambassador Peter Haas and opposition members in Bangladesh, Quader expressed disapproval of external comments on the country's elections.
"We do not welcome any comments from external entities concerning our country's elections. Powerful nations may exchange comments about our elections, and we prefer not to be involved," Quader said.
Shakib Al Hasan, captain of the National Cricket Team, will now be involved in the politics of the Awami League, the ruling party's Secretary General Obaidul Quader said at the same press conference.
"Shakib Al Hasan has informed the Awami League that he intends to pursue a political career from now on," said Quader, adding that he could be nominated from any constituency in the country.
Quader, who also serves as the road transport and bridges minister, came up with the announcement a day after Shakib Al Hasan met him at the Awami League party president's Dhanmondi office. He was addressing a press briefing following the Awami League Parliamentary Nomination Board meeting at the party president's office in Dhanmondi on Friday (24 November).
"Aspiring candidates with greater acceptance and popularity in their constituencies would be prioritised for nominations. Individuals with the potential to win would not be overlooked, regardless of gender," said Quader.
