Former election commissioner Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain told Pratham Alo that since there was weakness in the political party, a person like Anwarul Azim was given nomination even though he was an accused in 21 cases.
There were also discussions about Anwarul Azim joining Awami League politics. He entered politics in 1988 with the help of former BNP leader Abdul Mannan. When Abdul Mannan joined the Awami League in 1995, Anwarul Azim also joined him.
However, the AL leadership ignores the questions being raised against the slain MP.
Party sources said Anwarul Azim overcame many hurdles to become a member of the AL. At one time Jhenaidah, Kushtia, Chuadanga, Meherpur, Jashore and a part of Khulna were crime-affected areas. When the Awami League came to power, this was brought under control and Anwarul Azim helped the government in this effort. This role also helped him get a party ticket for the parliamentary elections.