The party began selling the forms on Saturday morning at the Awami League President’s office in Dhanmondi.

A representative for former BGMEA president Atiqul Islam picked up a candidacy application form.

Russell Ashequi and Adam Tamizi Haque also bought their forms from Office Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap at the start of the day.

“I wish to strengthen the hand of the honourable prime minister and work for the development of Dhaka North,” Russell told the media. “If I am elected and win as the party’s candidate I will work my hardest for the advancement of the DNCC area.”

Businessman Adam Tamizi Haque is the managing director of Haque Group.

A representative for Manipur School and College Principal Mohammad Farhad Hossain also picked up a form, as did former Dhaka college principal Shah Alam.

The Awami League will sell the forms until Jan 15. The party’s local government election board will pick a candidate.

Atiqul is seen by many as a favourite for the candidacy. The businessman has also begun his campaign.

The by-polls to fill the position left vacant by the death of Annisul Huq will take place on Feb 26. The deadline to submit candidacy forms is Jan 18.

Huq won the post with the backing of the Awami League three years ago.