BNP-BJP feud takes a new turn in Satkhira-4

(L-R) Kazi Alauddin, Dr. Shahidul Alam

Dr. Shahidul Alam submitted nomination papers to returning officers in Kaliganj and Debhata.

"I have resigned from government service to campaign. I submitted nomination paper on assurance from BNP high-ups", he told this correspondent after submitting nomination papers. Dr. Shahidul Alam was also a central leader of Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB).

He also sought nomination from the constituency in 2001 election but was denied.

Submission of Shahidul's nomination paper to fight former BJP lawmaker Kazi Alauddin has become a talk of the town.

Shahidul Alam said he submitted nomination paper due to great pressure from party rank and file in the area.

Earlier, BNP and its front organisations held several meetings in the area demanding a party candidate in Satkhira-4 and vowed to resist Kazi Alauddin, if nominated by the 4-party alliance. They alleged that the BJP lawmaker had ignored them during his tenure.

They also alleged that Kazi Alauddin joined Jamaat-e-Islami 'secretly' to confirm nomination. So he can not demand ticket from the area, they said.

Sources in BJP however claimed that alliance leaders assured Alauddin of nomination from Satkhira-4. Alauddin submitted nomination paper earlier to run in the constituency.