AL rebels resolute to contest CCC polls

Many Awami League rebel candidates for the Chattogram City Corporation councillor race are determined to contest the polls, despite the party's strict order of not to do so.

Of the 41 general wards, 14 incumbent councillors have failed to get party nomination for the election, scheduled to be held on March 29. Of them, 13 have submitted their nomination papers to the returning officer.

Today is the last date for withdrawing candidacy.

Meanwhile, AL leaders are trying to convince them and warned of disciplinary action if they do not withdraw candidacy.

To this end, the party leaders recently had a meeting with them at Theatre Institute Chattogram. Sources said the nomination-deprived candidates argued that they were popular in their areas and were denied nomination due to "conspiracy".

Many argued that as the councillor race will not be held with party symbol (boat), the race should remain open to all and they should be given a chance to prove their popularity.

Engr Mosharraf Hossain, AL presidium member and coordinator for CCC polls, at the meeting warned them against it. He said the nomination was declared by the AL local government nomination board led by the prime minister.

Those who were nominated by the party would contest the polls, he said.

According to AL insiders, none of the rebel candidates assured the leaders of withdrawing candidacy.

Meantime, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader is supposed to come to the port city today and sit with AL leaders and activists. A decision in this regard may come from the meeting, said party sources.

Contacted, Tareq Solaiman Selim, incumbent councilor of ward 31 (Alkaran area), said, "I am a four-time elected councillor… there is no doubt about my popularity but I did not get nomination this time."

"I think, there might a conspiracy behind this," he said, adding, "So I have decided to vie for the polls so that I can prove my popularity."

Md Abdul Quader, incumbent councilor of ward 28 (Pathantuli), told The Daily Star that he was deprived of nomination despite being "popular" in his area.

Abul Fazal Kabir Ahmed, incumbent councillor of ward 14 (Lalkhan Bazar), said he was firm in his decision to contest the polls.

Asked about the party's restriction in this regard, he said some "controversial people" got party nomination and "people wanted me to contest the polls and so I have decided to run".

Contacted, AL Chattogram city unit vice president Khorshed Alam Sujan said the rebel candidates were given time to think about withdrawing their candidacy.

"Sunday is the last date. Our general secretary would come to Chattogram on that day for a meeting and hopefully a decision will be taken in this regard," he said.