Reserved Seats For Women: AL wants new faces in JS, not ex-MPs
The ruling Awami League is considering not picking former lawmakers for the women's reserved seats in parliament to allow new faces in the Jatiya Sangsad, said party sources.
They said the nomination seekers were informed about the party's intent by the AL high command during separate meetings with the party president and the general secretary.
The AL wants fresh faces to fill the reserved seats for women in the 12th national parliament and former MPs are unlikely to be picked, said party insiders.
"But for a few ex-lawmakers, there might be hope," an AL leader told The Daily Star, requesting anonymity.
On Thursday, AL President Sheikh Hasina had a meeting with the aspirants at the Gono Bhaban, where at least 30 female leaders spoke, expressing their desire to get the nomination.
The party chief expressed her interest in giving new candidates a chance to compete for the women's reserved seats.
When a former MP from a reserved seat for women in the last parliament rose to speak, Hasina said, "You were an MP last time. Why are you seeking nomination again? Sit down."
The next day, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader met the aspirants at the party president's political office in Dhanmondi.
There, Khaleda Khanom, an ex-MP from a reserved seat (Jhenidah) for women in the last parliament, drew Quader's attention.
Quader said, "Weren't you in the last parliament? Give others a chance this time. But don't worry. If the leader wants, she may consider," said a meeting participant quoting Quader as saying.
When another leader asked if she would get party ticket, the AL general secretary asked whether any central leader promised her a seat.
AL Organising Secretary BM Mozammel Haque and Executive Member Sahabuddin Farazi, among other central leaders, were present at Friday's meeting.
Leaders of AL's front organisations, including the Jubo Mahila League and the Mahila Awami League, were also present.
The AL, which won 223 seats in the January 7 national polls, will have at least 37 reserved seats for women in the House. The party had 43 lawmakers from the reserved seats for women in the last parliament.
The Election Commission is expected to announce the election schedule for women's reserved seats early next month. The AL will begin selling nomination forms following a meeting of the party's parliamentary nomination board.