Nomination of Fugitive Awami League Leader Validated in Brahmanbaria-1
In the 13th National Parliament Election, the nomination papers submitted by Awami League leader Syed AK Ekramuzzaman alias Sukhan as an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria-1 (Narsingdi) constituency have been declared valid.
District Commissioner and Returning Officer Sharmin Akter Jahan made the announcement on Friday (2 January) afternoon after completing the scrutiny of nomination papers. However, Ekramuzzaman was not present during the scrutiny as he remains absconding.
Despite being an accused in cases related to attacks and killings on students and the public during the July–August mass uprising in 2024, his nomination has been accepted, sparking mixed reactions in the area.
DUCSU Social Service Secretary AB Zubayer expressed strong resentment on social media, posting: “Tasnim Jara’s nomination was not accepted. Jamaat candidate Hamidur Rahman Azad’s nomination was cancelled for speaking against Hasina’s kangaroo tribunal. Yet the nomination of Awami League leader Ekramuzzaman Sukhan, a fugitive accused in seven cases including attacks during the July uprising, has been accepted. The Awami League’s identified B-team, Jatiya Party, has fielded candidates in 243 seats. This is how things are going.”
Ekramuzzaman’s Political Background
According to election office and local sources, Ekramuzzaman was once an adviser to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. However, he was expelled from BNP after contesting the 12th National Parliament Election in 2024 as an independent candidate against the party’s decision. After winning that election, he joined Awami League. On 13 February 2024, he formally joined Awami League in a ceremony at the Dhaka Boat Club in the presence of the then Housing and Public Works Minister Ubaydul Muktadir Chowdhury.
In the affidavit submitted to the Returning Officer, Ekramuzzaman stated that seven cases are currently under investigation against him in Brahmanbaria Sadar, Narsingdi, Jatrabari, and Uttara East and West police stations. Most of these cases are related to the July mass uprising.
BNP Candidate’s Reaction
BNP’s nominated candidate for Brahmanbaria-1 and Narsingdi Upazila BNP President Abdul Hannan demanded the cancellation of Ekramuzzaman’s nomination. He said: “Ekramuzzaman is a fugitive accused in seven cases. He is a controversial political figure. How can a fugitive accused participate in the election? We have submitted a written complaint demanding his nomination be rejected.”
Police Confirmation
Narsingdi Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Shahinur Islam told the media that Ekramuzzaman has not yet received bail in the cases filed at Narsingdi police station and is still listed as a fugitive in police records.
Returning Officer’s Statement
Returning Officer Sharmin Akter Jahan said: “The nomination papers have been accepted as the submitted documents were legally correct. However, written objections submitted by other candidates have been forwarded to the Election Commission. Any party with objections can file an appeal as per the rules.”
