Staff Reporter :
The Awami League (AL) is set to conduct interviews today for aspirants vying for the party’s reserved seats for women in the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS). According to an AL press release, the interviews will kick off at 10 am at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban.
Candidates are required to present the nomination papers’ slip for entry into Ganabhaban. Following the interviews, AL President Sheikh Hasina will preside over a meeting of the Nomination Board to finalize candidates for the reserved women’s seats.
The meeting, scheduled to begin at 12 pm at Ganabhaban, will be chaired by Sheikh Hasina, as indicated in the press release by AL Office Secretary Biplob Barua.
In the 12th parliament, there are 50 reserved seats for women, allocated based on a formula where each political party secures one reserved seat for every six general seats won. With its own and independent support, the AL is anticipated to secure 48 out of these seats.
The sale of application forms for the reserved seats commenced on February 6 at the party’s Bangabandhu Avenue office. AL reported the sale of 1,549 nomination forms, generating an income of Tk7.74 crore.
Insiders from the party revealed that emphasis will be placed on introducing new faces within the party for these reserved seats.
Nominees are expected to exhibit dedication, commitment to the party, and a history of being deprived. AL aims to prioritize individuals who align with these criteria in the selection process.
The outcome of today’s interviews and the subsequent Nomination Board meeting will play a crucial role in shaping AL’s representation in the 12th Jatiya Sangsad, reflecting the party’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in parliamentary affairs.