Abdul Hamid gets AL nomination for presidential polls

Bangladesh Awami League yesterday nominated incumbent President M Abdul Hamid to contest the presidential election slated for February 18.

Awami League Parliamentary Board (ALPB) with party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair in a meeting at the premier's official Ganobhaban residence finalized the nomination yesterday evening.

"The meeting unanimously nominated M Abdul Hamid for contesting the presidential polls," Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader told a press briefing emerging from the meeting.

He said ALPB nominated Hamid for the presidency taking into account the current political situation, his long checkered political career and commitment to the country.

Quader said he himself proposed the name of Abdul Hamid while senior party leader and ALPB member Tofail Ahmed seconded the proposal.

The nomination came six days after the Election Commission announced that the voting to elect the next President of the country would be held between 2pm and 5pm on February 18 at the Jatiya Sangsad.

The EC fixed February 5 for nomination paper collection and submission and February 7 for scrutinizing them and February 10 for withdrawal of candidatures.

According to constitutional provisions parliament members alone can propose and second a presidential candidate.

Announcing the schedule last week Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda said the 350-seat parliament now have 348 members as two lawmakers died recently and the Jatiya Sangsad with its existing strength could elect the president for the republic.

Huda said the incumbent president's tenure would end on April 23 and as per the constitution, the election to the highest office of the country must be held within 30 days from January 24.

Source: bss