BNP in big trouble as Minu, Kabir clash for Rajshahi-2
Elderly politician and central BNP's Liberation War Affairs Secretary Kabir Hossain and Mayor and central BNP organising secretary Mizanur Rahman Minu filed nomination papers for the prime constituency comprising the city and Paba upazila.
Both told The Daily Star that they filed nomination paper after getting 'green signal' from party high command.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Kabir also submitted nomination paper from Rajshahi-5 (Bagha and Charghat upazilas) in addition to Rajshahi-2.
BNP insiders claimed that Minu has made nomination for the seat 'almost secure' by using influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, a component of BNP led four- party alliance.
They said Rajshahi Jamaat Ameer Ataur Rahman also filed nomination paper from Rajshahi-2 but would withdraw his claim if Minu gets the ticket.
Kabir had joined Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) floated by dissident leaders Prof Badruddoza Chowdhury and Col (rtd) Oli Ahmed few months ago but returned to BNP following a green signal about nomination from Rajshahi-2, his close aides said.
Kabir won the seat in 1991 and 1996 election. He and his followers became unhappy when Minu was nominated in 2001 election.
After Minu was nominated in 2001, Kabir had revolted, showed BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia black flags during a visit and tilted towards Awami League.
To calm him down, Khaleda Zia nominated him from Rajshahi-5 constituency to keep the party united.
And after wining from Rajshahi-5, Kabir somehow distanced himself from party men and the electorate in Rajshahi-2, which made him 'controversial' in the area.
However, political observers said the four-party alliance candidate, whoever he may be, will face a tough fight from Awami League-led 'grand alliance' candidate Fazle Hossain Badsha, a Politbureau member of Workers' Party. Badsha submitted nomination paper yesterday and his nomination was announced in Dhaka Monday night.