10 Dhaka mayor aspirants file nomination

Ten mayor aspirants submitted their nomination papers to contest the Dhaka north and south city corporation polls today, the last day for submitting nomination papers for the polls scheduled for April 28.

Annisul Huq, backed by ruling Awami League, submitted his nomination paper to contest the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) polls.

Annisul along with several senior leaders of the ruling party went to the returning officer's Agargaon office and submitted the nomination paper around 3:10pm.

After filing the nomination paper, Annisul told reporters that the chief of a major political party has extended support to him.

"This is a great strength for me and let the best man win," he told a questioner.

Awami League leaders Abdur Razzak, Jahangir Kabir Nanok, Lt Col (retd) Farooq Khan, former FBCCI president AK Azad and BGMEA President Atiqul Islam accompanied the mayoral aspirant.

Former Awami League lawmaker Kobori Sarwar submitted her nomination paper for the DNCC polls around 3:20pm.

"I have come here with the blessings of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," she told a questioner.

Awami League-backed Sayeed Khokon and Jatiya Party-backed Bahauddin Ahmed Babul also filed their nominations for the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and DNCC polls respectively.

On the other hand, Bobby Hajjaj, sacked special adviser to Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad, submitted his nomination form to the Election Commission office for the DNCC polls.

Tafsir Mohammad Awal, on behalf of his father Abdul Awal Mintoo, adviser to BNP chief Khaleda Zia, also submitted nomination paper for the DNCC polls.

After submitting the nomination paper, Tafsir underscored the necessity of a level playing field for all candidates and said, "If level playing field is not ensured, we will rethink about contesting the polls."

Meanwhile, Tabith Awal, another son of Mintoo, collected and submitted his nomination paper today to take part in the DNCC polls.

Besides, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas, its Financial Affairs Secretary Abdus Salam and Joint Secretary General Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu today submitted their nomination papers for DSCC polls.

Advocate Shahjahan, on behalf of Mirza Abbas, submitted the nomination paper at the DSCC returning officer's office.

On behalf of Salam, his wife Fatema Salam submitted the nomination paper around 3:00pm, while Nasima Akhtar Kalpana, wife of Pintu, submitted the nomination paper on behalf of the BNP joint secretary general.