M'ganj-3: Rebel asks BNP nominee to face ballot, instead of expulsion

MUNSHIGANJ, Jan 30: Independent parliamentary candidate for Munshiganj-3 (Football symbol) and expelled District BNP Member Secretary Md Mahiuddin on Thursday asked his rival Kamruzzaman Ratan to join the electoral contest instead of resorting to expulsion, saying the people would deliver the final verdict.

He made the remarks while leading an election showdown in the Munshiganj town in the afternoon.

The procession, joined by several thousand leaders and activists, started from the Super Market intersection, paraded through key streets of the town, and ended at the same spot, where a brief rally was held.

Addressing the rally, Mahiuddin said, attempts were being made to clear the field by expelling party leaders and activists. "But the people cannot be expelled. The true strength will be proven through votes," he said.

Referring to BNP nominee Kamruzzaman Ratan, he added, "Let us not rely on the administration or intimidation. Come, let us fight it out in the ballot battle."

Among those present at the rally were Ataur Hossain Babul, a recently resigned leader from the District BNP Convening Committee; Kazi Abu Sufian Biplob; Shahadat Hossain Sarker; Md Mahbubur Rahman Khan; Munshiganj Municipal BNP's resigned Member Secretary Advocate Mahbub Alam Swapan; expelled BNP leaders Md Abdul Matin and Md Saidur Rahman; Md Shaheen Mia; expelled District Jubo Dal Member Secretary Md Masud Rana; and Md Millat Hossain, former general secretary of the dissolved Rampal Union BNP committee, among others.

Speakers at the rally said, Md Mahiuddin was in the race with strong public support and vowed not to bow to any pressure or threats.