Coalition partners clash in the open for ticket

Dr Shahidul Alam & Kazi Alauddin

Supporters of incumbent BJP lawmaker Kazi Alauddin and BNP ticket seeker and its district presidemnt Dr Shahidul Alam were locked in a clash on Sunday in Kaligonj town over nomination, leaving at least eight people injured.

The injured Upazila Sramik Dal president Shukur Ali and Tarun Dal president Faruque Hossin and BJP (Na-Fi) activists Rabiul islam and Faruk admitted to Kaliganj health complex.

BNP leaders and activists in Kaligonj and Debhata upazilas are united in demanding nomination for Dr. Shahidul Alam, also a central vice-presdident of Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB).

BNP is in a disadvantageous position as Jamaat-e-Islami, a key coalition partner, suports candidature of incumbent BJP lawmaker Kazi Alauddin, party sources said.

The four-party alliance is divided into two camps over ticket.

Being aweare of the widening rift, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia during her October 5 visit to theKaligong she did not announce any alliance candidate from the constituency.

Hundreds of supporters of both the aspirants attended Khaleda's public meerting with colourful posters of their leaders. But they were disappointed as she eschewed the issue.

The aspirants were also frustrated as they did not get any assurance from her, sources said.

Now supporters of two aspirants are blaming each othger for the rift in the alliance.

The bickering is becoming intense as BNP is adamant not to 'surrender' Satkhira-4 parliamentary seat to BJP, arguing that it has no organisational strength in the area to win the next election.

On the other hand, Kazi Alauddin popped up rivalry with a number senior and dedicated BNP leaders as he allegedly ignored them in last five years, party sources claimed.

Insiders claimed that there may be further clashes between BNP and BJP supporters over nomination.

Front ranking BNP leader Prof. Khoda Baksa blamed Kazi Ala uddin for the rift in the alliance, alleginmg that he 'ignored' BNP. "We will not support him as an alliance candidate. We will support Dr Shahidul Alam as he is the most popular leader in the constituency. There is no alternative to him if the alliance wants to retain the seat," he dadded.

Kazi Alauddin however refuted the allegation and said he maintained good relations with BNP leaders and activists and never ignored them.

He also claimed that he implemented a lot of development projects in the constituency and that he would get nomination in the coming election.