Several party leaders have expressed their desire to contest the election

Who will get the ruling Awami League's nomination for the by-election to Chittagong-10 (Double Mooring, Pahartali and Halishahar) – this has been the talk of the town since the Election Commission announced on Thursday that it would hold the by-polls on July 30.

Several party leaders are vying for the nomination, prompting activists and supporters to analyze potential candidates.

Numerous names have already emerged within the Awami League, while leaders from the BNP and other political parties have remained relatively inactive.

According to party sources, former convenor of Chittagong Jubo League Mohiuddin Bachchu, Joint Convener Farid Mahmud and Ershadul Amin, younger brother of former member of parliament Dr Afsarul Amin, want to contest the election. However, some others might seek party nomination as well. Their names have not been finalized yet.

Farid Mahmud said: "I am diligently addressing the issues ordinary citizens face, being guided by the ideology of Bangabandhu and the spirit of the Liberation War. I have consistently strived to enhance the organization's reputation.” 

“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who tirelessly works for the development and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh, knows best who deserves the nomination. If she deems me worthy, she will entrust it to me; otherwise, she will select someone else. However, I aspire to be the candidate," he added.

Mohiuddin Bachchu said: "I have previously sought nomination from this seat, and I will do so again. However, I hope that the party leadership will nominate me this time."

Ershadul Amin said: "My elder brother served as a member of parliament for a long time. Therefore, I desire to contest this election and have someone from my family nominated. If there is only one person within our family vying for the nomination, we will make a decision on it in a family meeting."

The Chittagong-10 seat fell vacant following the death of the Awami League's Afsarul Ameen on June 2. 

Voting in this by-election will begin at 8am and will continue until 4pm on July 30. Voters will cast their votes through electronic voting machines (EVM).

The deadline for submitting nomination papers is July 4 and aspirants will have to file their nomination papers online.

The commission will scrutinize the nomination forms on July 6, and candidates will have until July 12 to withdraw their nominations.

Symbols will be allocated to candidates the next day.