In Dhaka, a notable surge of enthusiasm has been observed at the Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue as numerous aspirants, including notable figures from the entertainment industry, have eagerly submitted their nomination forms to contest for the reserved women’s seats. The collection of nomination forms, which began this Thursday morning, has seen an overwhelming turnout, reflecting the vibrant participation and interest among the party members.
Since Tuesday, the Awami League has started selling nomination forms, announcing that the sale and submission would continue over three days. This year, the price for each form was set at BDT 50,000, signaling a significant investment by the candidates towards securing their political aspirations within the party framework.
Among those who have shown interest are 13 celebrities from various walks of life, highlighting the intersection of politics and entertainment within Bangladesh’s political landscape. Prominent names such as actresses Suborna Mustafa, Tarin Jahan, Apu Biswas, Nipun Akter, Shimla, Shahnoor, Tanvin Sweety, Meher Afroz Shaon, Shomi Kaiser, Rokaiya Prachy, Sohana Saba, Urmila Srabonti Kar, and Shamima Tushti have stepped forward, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of the candidates vying for a position in the upcoming electoral contests.
On the first day alone, the party reported the sale of 810 forms, with an additional 522 sold by Wednesday, as confirmed by Awami League’s office secretary Biplob Barua. The sale of these forms has already contributed significantly to the party’s funds, totaling over BDT 6.66 crore.
The distribution of nomination forms is meticulously organized across different floors of the party’s central office, catering to divisions such as Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chittagong on the second floor, and Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Barishal on the third floor. The ground floor has been designated for the submission of these forms, witnessing a higher volume of traffic as candidates rush to secure their nominations.
This vibrant activity underscores the political engagement and eagerness among women to participate in the democratic process, with the Awami League facilitating a platform for aspiring female politicians. The inclusion of celebrities in this political endeavor reflects a broader trend of public figures leveraging their influence and popularity to effect change within the socio-political landscape of Bangladesh.