Infighting in Khulna BNP erupts into mudslinging

On Saturday, a party faction led by lawmaker Nurul Islam and Nazrul Islam Manju held a meeting at the divisional museum auditorium where speakers branded city Mayor Shaikh Tayebur Rahman as 'most corrupt and worthless person having no political background, footing and reputation'.

They also called lawmaker Ali Asghar Lobi a 'non-political element-cum-businessman and an agent of Awami League in BNP'.

On the other hand, the Mayor-Lobi faction held a meeting on the same day at the party office where speakers alleged that Nurul Islam built his fortune through illegal means with help of his party supporters and relatives, keeping in touch with an underground party. He was elected from Khulna-4 constituency (Rupsha-Terokheda-Digholia).

They also termed former secretary of city BNP Nazrul Islam Manju 'toll collector, harbourer of extremists and an agent of saboteurs'.

On Saturday, both the factions announced that they will hold rallies at Maharaj Square near the party office on August 2 at the same time.

The meetings have been planned to protest alleged anarchy being created by Awami League-led 14-party alliance by calling frequent hartals and other programmes.

Lawmaker Nurul Islam who is former president of Khulna City BNP claimed that he obtained permission on July 26 from KMP Commissioner and Khulna City Corporation to hold the rally at Maharaj Square on August 2.

Ali Asghar Lobi who is convenor of City BNP also claimed that KMP Commissioner and the city corporation have him permission to hold a rally at Maharaj Square on the same day at the same time.

Lobi claimed that Nurul Islam has no right to use party pad for seeking permission for any political programme separately is he is no more holding the post of convener of Khulna city BNP.

Nurul Islam said he is determined to hold the rally at Maharaj Square on August 2 at any cost because he got the permission from authorities.

Meanwhile, activists of both factions are taking preparation to face each other in their decision to hold the rallies, party sources said.