BNP man calls party MP corrupt, seeks ticket

Abu Taher Talukder, former general secretary of Netrakona district BNP, at a press conference Friday evening alleged that lawmaker from Netrakona-5 Dr. Mohammad Ali has lost popularity due to his 'inefficiency, corruption and autocratic behavior'. He has isolated himself from people, Talukder claimed.

Mohammad Ali did little development work in the area during his tenure, he claimed.

A large number of BNP activists and supporters of Abu Taher Talukder were present at the press conference, held at Netrakona Press Club.

Talukder was students union vice-president at Netrakona University College in 1984-85, president of Netrakona district Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal (JCD) during 1984-1989, organising secretary of Netrakona district BNP from 1991 to 1994 and general secretary of Netrakona district BNP from 1997 to 2000.

Talukder criticised Dr. Mohammad Ali for what he called failing to fulfil aspirations of local people. Talukder also blamed the lawmaker for defaming BNP in the area.

He urged BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to nominate him in next election 'to restore the party image' in the area.

BNP will definitely lose the seat if D. Mohammad Ali is nominated by the four-party alliance, he claimed.

Talukder also claimed that party workers in the two upazilas support his candidature.

Dr. Mohammad Ali was elected twice from Netrakona-5 with BNP tickets in 1996 and 2001 -- by defeating Awami League candidate Waresat Hossen Belal and Mosharaf Hossen.

When contact Dr. Mohammad Ali MP said, "Abu Taher Talukder is not well-wisher of the party and is isolated from the party workers.

He said "I have implemented many development works in Purbadhala and Dhubaura upazilas and I am still popular in my constituency".