CEC’s nephew secures Awami League candidacy amid criticism

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, who has drawn constant flak from BNP leaders, is likely to face more criticism after his nephew was selected as an Awami League candidate.

The ruling party chose SM Shahjada for the 11th national election from the Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa-Dashmina) constituency.

Shahjada bagged the party’s ticket over present MP and former general secretary of Chhatra League KM Jahangir Hossain. 

"We are acquainted. He is my maternal uncle," Shahajada told bdnews24.com about the CEC.

"People in my constituency are very excited at the news of my nomination. I'll be elected an MP if Allah permits," said the former local leader of the Chhatra League.

KM Jahangir had been elected multiple times from the Patuakhali-3 seat. The Awami League did not grant him the candidacy in the 2008 election as he identified himself a reformist during the emergency rule

The party nominated Golan Mawla Rony in 2008 but brought back KM Jahangir into the election race in 2014.

"The locals as well as the grassroots people expected me to be nominated. But whoever the party had nominated will be accepted,” KM Jahangir told bdnews24com.

The BNP has alleged KM Nurul Huda was a member of Janatar Mancha, a non-cooperation movement by the Awami League in 1996, after he was appointed the chief election commissioner.  

Jatiya Oikya Front chief Kamal Hossain demanded the removal of the CEC on Sunday over his alleged failure to maintain his impartiality.