12 mayoral candidates, including Jahangir, BNP leader's son, submit nomination papers for Gazipur city polls

A total of 12 mayoral candidates, including Awami League nominated Advocate Azmat Ullah Khan, independent candidate and former mayor (dismissed) Mohammad Jahangir Alam and his mother Zayda Khatun, have filed their nomination papers for the Gazipur city corporation election within the deadline – 27 April.

Although the BNP decided to boycott the elections, Sarkar Shah Noor Islam Roni, son of jailed BNP leader Nurul Islam Sarkar and nephew of Gazipur Metropolitan BNP President Hasan Uddin Sarkar, submitted his nomination paper as an independent candidate.

Other candidates are MM Niaz Uddin from Jatiya Party, Atiqul Islam from Gonofront, Gazi Ataur Rahman from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Raju Ahmed from Zaker Party, independent Abdullah Al Mamun, Md Harun-or-Rashid, Md Oliur Rahman and Md Abul Hossain.

In Gazipur, the Sarkar family has a large influence over the BNP, so many think that the family can play a vital role in the election. After submitting the nomination paper to Returning Officer Md Faridul Islam on Thursday, Roni said his uncle was the architect of Gazipur and his father had made a great contribution to the city.

"I want to continue the development which my family has started. I have met people in different yard discussions and got their support. The BNP is not participating in the polls, but I believe I will get their support as well since I am from a die-heart BNP family," he added, stating that his contest will be against Azmat Ullah.

Roni's father Nurul Islam Sarkar – now in jail – is reportedly a former BNP youth affairs secretary and one of those sentenced to death over the murder of Ahsan Ullah Master. On the sentence, Roni said they are victims of political oppression.

Earlier in the morning, the mayoral candidate of the ruling Awami League, Azmat Ullah submitted his nomination paper. "My strength is the common people, and I know they support the Awami League; therefore, I do not consider anyone an opponent," Azmat Ullah said after submitting the paper.

"Since the polling date was announced, we have seen enthusiasm and excitement among the people of Gazipur at all levels. The Bangladesh government has repeatedly declared the Election Commission an independent institution and we firmly believe that the election will be 100% fair, unhindered and impartial," he added.

Addressing Jahangir Alam, Azmat Ullah said, "He wanted the nomination of Awami League. So, I believe that he will change his decision if he has confidence in the leadership of Awami League."

Former mayor (dismissed) Mohammad Jahangir Alam submitted nomination papers for himself and on behalf of his mother Zayeda Khatun in the afternoon. His mother was not present at the time.

"I know I can be hurt, but I am ready to sacrifice my life for my mother. I was elected mayor by millions of voters in 2018. You know what happened to me. Now, I would like to urge every voter of the city to vote for me if they believe I did something good for this city," Jahangir Alam told reporters.

"My mother who has always worked for the city is contesting to stand for me and protest the unjust torture I have faced," he said and added that he will always serve Awami League.

According to the Office of Returning Officer, 13 candidates withdrew their nomination papers for the post of mayor in the Gazipur City Corporation and 12 submitted their papers within the deadline. Besides, 290 submitted nominations for the post of general councillors and 82 for the post of reserved women councillors.