Candidates for Dec 29, 2008 general election

Yesterday was the last day for submission of nomination paper for the ensuing 9th Parliamentary election scheduled on December 29, 2008. The last date of submission of nomination paper was the fourth declaration (reschedule)of election schedule,due to political bargaining between the political parties and the Govt. and the Election Commission. The last reschedule was declared to accommodate the BNP, led by Khaleda Zia.

I have got the list of successful candidates yesterday at around 21.00 hrs. Now, I release their names for record and public view. However, on 12th instant we can say how many candidates will actually contest the election, as this date is the last date of withdrawal of nomination paper.

Khagarachari Hill District:
1. Mr. Samairan Dewan(Independent but waiting for BNP nomination). Former Khagarachari Hill District Council Chairman. Presently he is the Chairman of Refugee task Force.
2. Dr. Kaniska Chakma (Independent but as a candidate of the JSS, as the JSS' application for registration with the Election Commission has been rejected).
3. Mr. Samir Datta Chakma (Independent). He is the Principal of Panchari College and an Awami Leaguer. He has sought nomination from Awami League but Seikh Hasina has given nomination to Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, former Chairman, Khagarachari Hill District Council.
4. Mr. Kujendra Lal Tripura (Independent), an Awami Leaguer from Dighinala. He has revolted against the decision of AL Parliamentary Board and submitted his nomination as independent candidate.
5. Mr. Pradip Kumar Mutshuddi (independent).
6. Mr. Soleman Seikh (Jatiya Party).
7. Mr. Jahedul Alam (Independent), a veteran Awami Leaguer. He has also revolted like Mr. Kujendra.
8. Mr. Arun Kanti Chakma (Independent), a Buddhist monk from Babuchara of Dhighinala and affiliated to Parbatya Bhikshu Sangha school of thought.
9. Mr. Praggabir Chakma (PDP led by Dr. Ferdous Ahmed Koreshi).
10. Mr. Jahed Ahmed (Independent).
11. Mr. Wadud Bhuiyan (Independent), former M.P.
12. Mr. Daudul Islam Bhuiyan (Independent), nephew of Mr. Wadud Bhuiyan.
13. Mr. AKM Alimullah (JP led by former President Ershad), former M.P. of Khagarachari.
14. Mr. Ujjal Smriti Chakma (Independent but a candidate of UPDF, as the UDF did not get EC affiliation.), from Khabong Pajjya of Khagarachari.
15. Mr. Dhiman Khisa (Independent) from Khabong Pajjya of Khagarachari. It has been gathered that he is also a candidate of UPDF, may be a substitute of Mr. Ujjal Smriti Chakma.
16. Mr. Joynal Abedin (BNP), the sitting Chairman of Khagarachari Municipality. As per law it needs resignation from the Chairmanship, but it has been gathered that he did not do it, hence, it is believed that his candidature would last no longer.
17. Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura (AL), former Chairman of Khagarachari Hill District Council. He did score only 30 points for bagging the seat while Mr. Jahedul Alam scored 80, the highest points as per recent legal binding for reflection of grassroots' opinion. However, Seikh Hasina has given the seat to a Jumma contestant, as per her commitment towards CHT and the Jumma people.

Rangamati:
1. Mr. Ushatan Talukdar (Independent, but a JSS candidate), a Councillor of the CHT Regional Council. He did not resign from the council. It is still ambiguous to them and many of CHT whether the RC Councillors needs to resign before submission of nomination papers.
2. Mr. Dipankar Talukdar (AL), former M.P. and Chairman, Refugee Task Force. His candidature is yet hanging upon the final seat negotiation with the LDP, based on Grand Alliance policy with AL.
3. Ms. Alo Rani Aich (Independent), a former college teacher.
4. Mr. Sukriti Jiban Khisa (JP), a JP veteran from Rangamati.
5. Mr. Mani Swapan Dewan (LDP), former M.P. and Deputy Minister for the Ministry of CHT Affairs. He has been waiting for ticket from the Grand Alliance.
6. Mr. Jaseem Uddin Kabir (Independent), a timber contractor from majherbsti of Rangamati.
7. Dr. Kaniska Chakma (Independent, as the JSS did not get EC registration). He is actually contesting for the Khagarachari seat. In Rangamati, he is actually running as the alternative of Mr. Ushatan Talukdar, if he fails to get the candidature.
8. Mr. Dipen Dewan (BNP), a former member of Judicial Service who resigned from his post about 2.5 years back, for contesting as BNP candidate in the last postponed election in January 2007.
9. Ms. Moitri Chakma (BNP, as alternative of Mr. Dipen Dewan), wife of Mr. Dipen Dewan.

Bandarban:
1. Mr. KS Mong (Independent but a JSS candidate) and a CHT Regional Council Councillor from Bandarban town.
2. Mr. Bir Bahadur (AL), former M.P.
3. Mr. Saching Prue Jeri (BNP), a veteran BNP man.
4. Mr. Choton Kanti Tanchangya (Independent but the UPDF candidaie) from Balaghata of Bandarban municipality.
5. Mr. Kyasoi Aoung (JP), former Upazila Chairman and a member of the CHT Liaison Committee, lives at Ujanipara of Bandarban town.