Dhaka: A total of 21 mayoral aspirants, including Awami League-backed businessman Annisul Huq and BNP leader Abdul Awal Mintoo , filed their nominations on Sunday, the last date for nomination submission, to contest the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) elections slated for 28 April.

In an interesting move, Abdul Awal Mintoo’s son Tabith Awal also collected and submitted his nomination paper on Sunday to compete for the same post in the DNCC elections.

However, Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, now in jail, who collected nomination paper, did not submit it within the stipulated time. The submission deadline expired at 5:00pm.

Flanked by business leaders and some ruling party leaders, Annisul Huq submitted his nomination paper to DNCC returning officer Shah Alam at his Agargaon office at about 3:10pm.

AL leaders Jahangir Kabir Nanok, Farroque Khan, and Abdur Razzak, business leaders AK Azad and Atiqul Islam, among others, accompanied Anisul on the occasion.

Talking to reporters, Annisul said: ‘A scope has been created to take over a new charge. I feel good as Prime Minister and Bangabandhu’s daughter Sheikh Hasina has picked a businessman for a new responsibility.’

About BNP’s demand for a level-playing field, Annisul said it is the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure it and all should abide by the election code of conduct.

Asked whether it goes against the spirit of level-playing field as the Prime Minister herself introduced him with ruling party men as its candidate at her official residence, Annisul said he had a meeting with some Awami League men there, not with common people.

Earlier, Tafsir M Awal, son of Abdul Awal Mintoo, submitted the nomination paper to DNCC returning officer Shah Alam at his Agargaon office at about 2:30pm on behalf of his father.

Talking to reporters, Tafsir said his father may revise his decision of contesting the polls if a level-playing filed is not created. ‘We’ll have to think again if all the candies don’t get equal opportunity for electioneering,’ he added.

Replying to another question whether BNP is backing Mintoo, Tafsir said, ‘It’s a non-partisan election. As he (Mintoo) is an adviser to BNP chairperson, her endorsement is necessary for contesting the elections. She’ll surely bless him if he participates in the election.’

Asked why he, not his father, submitted the nomination paper, Tafsir said as per the rules he can submit the nomination paper of his father on his behalf.

Meanwhile, one Shohidul Islam, submitted nomination paper of Mintoo’s eldest son Tabith Awal at about 3:55 pm to contest the DNCC elections.

As per the election schedule, today is the last date for the submission of nomination papers while April 9 the last date for withdrawal of the nomination.

The 21 candidates, including Mintoo, Annisul, Jatiya Party-backed Bahauddin Ahmed, former AL MP and actress Sara Begum Kobori, Bikalpa Dhara joint secretary Mahi B Chowdhury, Gansanghati Andolan candidate Zonayed Saki, independent candidates Bobby Hajjaj and Quamrul Islam and JSD contender and actor Nader Chowdhury submitted their nomination papers to DNCC returning officer Shah Alam at his Agargaon office till 5pm.

Talking to journalists, Bahauddin Ahmed said the Election commission should deploy army during the polls for ensuring the spontaneous participation of people in the voting and credible polls.

Though BNP has picked Abdul Awal Mintoo as a mayoral candidate for the DNCC elections, the party is still pursuing a go-slow-process to come up with a formal announcement for some strategic reasons.

According to the Election Commission sources, a total 30 candidates bought nomination papers to join the mayoral race in Dhaka North City Corporation.