Kazi Habibul Awal Biography, Age, Politics, Wiki & More
The name Kazi Habibul Awal stands out as a thread braided with passion, service, and leadership in the administrative landscape of Bangladesh. Kazi Habibul Awal was born in Sandwip, Chattogram district, on January 21, 1956. Over the course of his extraordinary life, he has made a lasting impact on the legal and bureaucratic spheres of the country.
Quick View
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Awal |
| Birthplace | Sandwip, Chattogram |
| Birthday | January 21, 1956 |
| Age Now | Approximately 67 years old |
| Home Town | Sandwip, Chattogram |
| Current Town | Not specified (Update Soon) |
| Residency | Not specified (Update Soon) |
| Religion | Islam |
| Occupation | Chief Election Commissioner of Bangladesh |
1956
A Beginning in Sandwip
Kazi Habibul Awal, a future stalwart, is born on January 21, 1956, in Sandwip, Chattogram district, Bangladesh.
1976-1978
Academic Pursuits at Dhaka University
Embarking on his educational journey, Awal earns his LLB (Hons.) in 1976 and LL.M in 1978 from the University of Dhaka, setting the stage for his legal career.
1980
Enrolment as an Advocate
In 1980, Awal obtains the Certificate of Enrolment as an advocate from the Bangladesh Bar Council, formalizing his entry into the legal profession.
1981
Judicial Service Commences
The year 1981 marks a significant milestone as Habibul Awal, after passing the Bangladesh Civil Service (Judicial) Competitive Examination, begins his judicial service as an Assistant Judge.
1997
Promotion to District and Sessions Judge
After years of dedicated service, Awal reaches the pinnacle of his judicial career, achieving the position of District and Sessions Judge in 1997.
2000-2007
Administrative Odyssey in Law Ministry
From 2000 to 2007, Awal extends his influence into administrative realms, serving as Joint Secretary and later Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs.
2007-2009
Secretary, Ministry of Law
In 2007, Awal ascends to the position of Secretary in the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, steering critical legal matters for the government.
2010-2014
Diverse Administrative Roles
Awal’s administrative trajectory takes diverse turns, serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Religious Affairs (2010) and later transitioning to the Office of the President (2013).
2014
Senior Secretary in Defense Ministry
The zenith of his bureaucratic journey in 2014 sees Awal appointed as Senior Secretary in the Ministry of Defense, underscoring his versatile administrative prowess.
2015
Retirement and Contractual Appointments
In 2015, Habibul Awal formally retires from his extensive service career. However, this doesn’t mark the end, as he continues contributing through contractual appointments until 2017.
2022
Chief Election Commissioner & Guiding the Electoral Landscape
– A watershed moment unfolds on February 27, 2022, as Kazi Habibul Awal assumes the pivotal role of the 13th Chief Election Commissioner of Bangladesh, entrusted with overseeing the nation’s electoral landscape.
– As Awal steps into the role of Chief Election Commissioner, the years beyond 2022 hold the promise of a continued journey, shaping the democratic narrative of Bangladesh under his stewardship.
2023
Leading the Election Commission & The National Election Focus
– As of 2023, Kazi Habibul Awal is at the forefront of the Election Commission, steering the country’s electoral processes. With the upcoming 12th parliamentary election on the horizon, Awal takes on the responsibility of ensuring a fair and participatory democratic exercise.
– Given the two-year countdown to the next national election, Awal expresses his commitment to preparation. In his words, “The national election is only about two years away. We have to be prepared.” The commission, under his helm, dedicates its efforts to ensuring a smooth and credible electoral process.
2023-2028
Electoral Stewardship
Over the next five years, from 2023 to 2028, Awal’s tenure as Chief Election Commissioner unfolds. His leadership, coupled with the collaborative efforts of the Election Commission, plays a crucial role in shaping the electoral landscape of Bangladesh.
Early Life and Education
Habibul Awal was bound for greatness since his family had a strong tradition of public service. In addition to serving as the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, his father Kazi Abdul Awal was a key player in the famous Jail Killing case. Habibul Awal was raised in the Comilla District of East Pakistan, where his upbringing was characterized by the values of public welfare and justice.
This future great person’s educational foundation was established at the University of Dhaka, where he completed his Master of Laws (LLM) program in 1978 and his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program in 1976. He developed the legal acumen that would eventually define his great career during his academic path.
Entry into Judicial Service
Habibul Awal began his career as an associate judge (Munsif) in 1981 after clearing the Bangladesh Civil Service examination. He rose through the ranks as a result of his dedication to preserving justice and the rule of law, and in 1996 he was promoted to the prestigious post of District and Sessions Judge.
Administrative Adventure
Habibul Awal’s career took a turn away from the courts and into the complexities of public administration. An important turning point in his career came in 2000 when he was appointed Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs. This position set the foundation for his subsequent rise.
His administrative responsibilities grew, and in 2003 he was appointed Additional Secretary. On June 28, 2007, he was appointed Secretary of the same Ministry. There were difficulties throughout this time. A 2007 petition challenging his appointment as acting secretary brought to light the intricacy of the bureaucratic environment.
But there are rarely no challenges in the way of becoming a leader. There were disputes, most notably in 2010 when Justices Shahidul Islam and Shah Abu Nayeem Mominur Rahman ruled that his appointment as Additional Secretary of the Law Ministry’s Legal and Drafting Branch was unlawful. Habibul Awal persevered in the face of difficulties, exhibiting fortitude in the face of criticism.
His career path persisted, as he held positions in crucial ministries such as Religious Affairs (2010), the Office of the President (2013), and the Ministry of Defense Secretary (2014). at December 2014, he was promoted to Senior Secretary at the Ministry of Defense in recognition of his services.
Controversies and Resilience
The dispute was sparked by claims of involvement in a number of contentious activities in addition to legal complexities. Charges included impeding government projects and illegally retiring two judges while serving as Additional Secretary, which was further exacerbated by complaints from judges and other judicial authorities.
Personal Life
Outside the halls of authority and the complexities of the law, Kazi Habibul Awal finds stability in his personal life. Sahana Akhter Khanam and her husband are blessed with three daughters. His family’s support helps him stay grounded despite his rigorous work duties.
Family
| Family Member | Relationship | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Kazi Abdul Awal | Father | Deputy Inspector General of Prisons |
| Mrs. Shahana Akhter Khanam | Spouse | |
| Three Daughters | Children | Names and details not provided in available sources (Update ASAP) |
Contractual Appointments and Retirement
With his retirement in 2015, Kazi Habibul Awal said goodbye to the formalities of a lengthy career in service. Retirement did not, however, mean that his contributions would stop. His tenure was extended till 2017 by two contractual appointments, a testament to the confidence that was placed in his abilities.
Chief Election Commissioner
On February 27, 2022, Kazi Habibul Awal reached the pinnacle of his career when he was appointed Bangladesh’s 13th Chief Election Commissioner. Habibul Awal, who was appointed by President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, assumed this crucial role with a thorough awareness of the obligations that would be involved.
As said when he assumed office, his first priority was the approaching 12th legislative election, which is a huge undertaking. He acknowledged the difficulties and the short notice, emphasized the necessity of planning, and stressed the significance of holding elections that satisfy all parties involved.
The Election Commission Team
An esteemed group of people support Habibul Awal’s position as head of the Election Commission. The four commissioners, retired Brig Gen (retd) Ahsan Habib Khan, former EC secretary Md Alamgir, former senior secretary Anisur Rahman, and former district and sessions judge Rashida Sultana, each offer a variety of experience to the electoral scene.
Reactions and Challenges
Kazi Habibul Awal’s journey as the Chief Election Commissioner was not without its share of challenges and controversies. Leading the Election Commission, especially in a politically charged environment, comes with immense pressure and scrutiny.
One notable challenge was the skepticism and doubt expressed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and certain opposition parties despite the Awami League expressing confidence in Awal’s abilities. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a BNP standing committee member, openly stated the party’s lack of interest in reconstituting the Election Commission, reflecting the prevailing skepticism.
The intricate dance of political dynamics, coupled with the responsibility of overseeing fair and inclusive elections, presented Awal with a complex set of challenges. Navigating through the expectations of various political entities and ensuring a level playing field for all parties involved is a delicate balance that requires both strategic acumen and diplomatic finesse.
As the Chief Election Commissioner, Awal faced the monumental task of preparing for the upcoming 12th legislative election. The urgency and short notice added another layer of complexity to an already demanding role. In his commitment to transparency and fairness, Awal acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning to conduct elections that satisfy all participating parties.
Despite the hurdles, Awal’s vision for impartial and inclusive elections remained steadfast. He stressed the collaborative nature of the electoral process and recognized the importance of engaging all stakeholders to foster a favorable political environment. These challenges, while formidable, provided Awal with an opportunity to demonstrate his resilience and commitment to upholding democratic principles.
Vision For Fair Elections
Aware of the complexities and difficulties, Kazi Habibul Awal presented a vision for impartial and inclusive elections. He expressed in a media interview that he understood the value of political inclusion and that he intended to guarantee the involvement of all political parties, including the BNP. He highlighted the project’s collaborative nature and acknowledged the importance of stakeholders in fostering a favorable electoral environment.
Contributions and Legacy
Kazi Habibul Awal’s legacy extends beyond the duties of his current position; it is woven through his involvement in international engagements, legal and judicial reforms, and legislative affairs. His dedication to lifelong learning and international best practices is demonstrated by his attendance at conferences, workshops, and training sessions held all over the world.
Author and Speaker
Habibul Awal pursues administrative and legal endeavors in addition to being a novelist. Books like “Trajectory of a Judicial Officer” (2021), “Jibon Pater Jolchap” (2020), and “Memories of Early Life” (2017) are only a few of his literary works. These autobiographies provide insight into his life, principles, and the development of his career.
Habibul Awal has been a guest lecturer at several prestigious establishments, including as the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Center, Police Staff College, and National Defense College, where he has imparted his knowledge and expertise. His skill at condensing intricate legal issues into understandable stories has made him a popular speaker and resource.
Some Lesser-Known Facts About Him
- Multifaceted Career:
- Diverse career spanning the judiciary, legal drafting, and ministries, showcasing versatility in public service.
- International Exposure:
- Attended international training courses and visited numerous countries during his 34-year service career, enhancing his global perspective on legal and administrative matters.
- Academic Pursuits:
- Transitioned into academia after retiring as the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.
- Joined BRAC University as a law professor, demonstrating commitment to knowledge dissemination.
- Authorship:
- Authored memoirs, including ‘Memories of Early Life’ and ‘Trajectory of a Judicial Officer,’ offering insights into his personal and professional journey.
- Legislative Involvement:
- Served as the President of the Asian Association of Legislative Counsel (AALC), actively involved in legislative matters on a broader Asian platform.
- Governance Roles:
- Held governance roles in various organizations, including serving as a Governor and Vice-chairman of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Foundation, Bangladesh.
- Served as a Director on the Boards of Rupali Bank Limited and Karma Sangsthan Bank Limited.
- Family Man:
- Married to Mrs. Shahana Akhter Khanam.
- Proud father of three daughters.
Final Thoughts
Within the fabric of Bangladesh’s socio-legal environment, Kazi Habibul Awal is not only a commissioner or bureaucrat but also a guardian of justice, a defender of democracy, and a shining example of leadership. His trip, which was marked by highs and lows, is a shining example of perseverance, loyalty, and a firm commitment to serving the country.
Kazi Habibul Awal’s story keeps developing as he leads the Election Commission through the complex dance of democracy. It is a story of leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to the principles that form the foundation of Bangladesh’s democracy.
