Son takes centre stage as veteran AL leader steps aside

City Desk :
After serving seven terms as a lawmaker from Chattogram-1, Awami League stalwart Mosharraf Hossain has decided not to run for re-election in the upcoming 12th national polls.

The 80-year-old politician has been grooming his son, Mahboob Rahman Ruhel, as his successor for the seat in recent years.

The Awami League acknowledged the senior leader’s decision, entrusting his son with the responsibility of continuing to build upon his father’s legacy, reports bdnews24.com

Mosharraf has consistently enjoyed popularity in his Chattogram seat since his entry into politics as a member of the East Pakistan Provincial Council in 1970. Following his participation in the 1971 Liberation War, he successfully secured victories in 1973, 1986, 2008, 2014, and 2018.

His sole electoral defeat came in 1996 when BNP chief Khaleda Zia edged him out, though he later reclaimed the seat in a by-election.

His son Mahboob is a businessman and film producer, who boasts accolades such as the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Film and Best Screenplay for the film “No Dorai” in 2019.

As the founder and chairman of Show Motion Ltd, which owns the Star Cineplex movie theatres, he holds a degree in computer science from the University of Texas at Arlington, and an MBA from Aalto University Executive Education.

Currently serving as the managing director at Sayeman Beach Resort, Mahboob said he is committed to honouring the trust placed in him by both his father and the Awami League.

“My father has passed on the electoral responsibilities to me, demonstrating his trust.

I’ve been his right hand in the past two parliamentary elections, gaining political insights from him.

He has entrusted me with this duty, and party chief Sheikh Hasina has shown faith in me with this nomination.”