Presidential Polls: AL likely to choose candidate today

The ruling Awami League is likely to finalise today its candidate for the 22nd presidential election slated for February 19.

The Awami League Parliamentary Party will hold a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad at 7:30pm to decide on the matter, said party insiders.

President Abdul Hamid's term will expire on April 24.

Meanwhile, six names are being discussed among the party leaders and activists.

Sources said there are high possibilities of Mashiur Rahman, an advisory council member of the party and also the prime minister's economic affairs adviser, becoming the next president.

The name of Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury is also being discussed.

Shirin, an MP from Rangpur-6, became the youngest Speaker of the House.

Another name that has come up is that of Mosharraf Hossain, an MP from Chattogram-1.

The number one presidium member of the AL, Mosharraf was earlier the minister for civil aviation and tourism, and for public works and housing.

Nomination papers for the presidential election have to be submitted to the Election Commission on February 12. The next day, the papers will be scrutinised.

If there is more than one candidate, the presidential election will be held in parliament on February 19. Members of parliament will cast votes to elect the president.

The main opposition in parliament, Jatiya Party, has already said they would not nominate anyone for president.

Since the AL has a single majority in parliament, only its nominated candidate will be elected.

At the ALPP meeting, the names of those who will propose and support the president candidate while filing the nomination to the EC will also be finalised, party insiders said.

Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina, also the ALPP president, will preside over the meeting.

ALPP Secretary and Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury has asked the party MPs to attend the meeting.