AL nominates former ACC commissioner Shahabuddin Ahmed as presidential candidate

Md Shahabuddin Chuppu, a retired district and sessions judge, former commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and freedom fighter, is set to become the next President of Bangladesh.

The ruling Awami League nominates former Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) commissioner Shahabuddin Ahmed as party’s presidential candidate.

The party disclosed the name on Sunday morning.  

A delegation led by Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, also the general secretary of Bangladesh Awami League, submitted the nomination to the Election Commission (EC) on Sunday (12 February) morning. 

Responding to reporters, Md Shahabuddin said, "There is no reaction now. This is the Almighty Allah's will."

Shahabuddin Chuppu was born in 1949 in Pabna and is a lawyer by profession. He is a member of the party's advisory council. He previously served as a district and sessions judge and ACC commissioner.

Following the nomination submission, Obaidul Quader said, "Bangladesh Awami League has decided to nominate Md Shahabuddin Chunnu for the post of the country's 22nd president. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the president of Awami League, has finalised the nomination."

Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on February 13 from 10 am, while nomination papers can be withdrawn till 4pm on February 14.

On February 19, the 22nd Presidential election will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) complex.

The President may hold office for five years from the date of assumption of office.

Incumbent President M Abdul Hamid assumed office on April 24, 2018. Accordingly, his five-year tenure will end on April 23, 2023.

According to the country's Constitution, members of parliament are voters in the Presidential election.

Awami League has the absolute majority in the current parliament.

In that case, there is no possibility of any party other than the Awami League to give a candidate to the presidential polls.

If there is one candidate for the presidency, the election will not require a meeting or voting in parliament.