Abdul Hamid set to be re-elected president of Bangladesh

According to the election schedule, Monday was the last day to withdraw nominations, but only Hamid, the candidate of the ruling Awami League, filed the paper.

An Awami League delegation led by General Secretary Obaidul Quader handed the nomination paper on Monday to Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, who is the election officer for the presidential polls.

Election Commission spokesperson SM Asaduzzaman told reporters Hamid would be declared winner uncontested after the nomination paper is screened on Wednesday.

“We have many (aspirants for the president’s post). But we think he (Hamid) will be the most acceptable and respectable person to the people,” Quader said after submitting Hamid’s nomination paper.

“He will not be the president of a party, but the country... the people want him as well,” he added. 

Hamid was sworn in as the 20th president of Bangladesh on Apr 24, 2013. According to the Constitution, an election to fill the president’s seat has to be held 90 to 60 days before the incumbent’s term expires.

On Jan 31, an Awami League parliamentary board led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina nominated Hamid for a second term.

Hamid is the seventeenth individual to rise to presidency. The second five-year stint will be his last as one can hold the office for a maximum two terms.