Abdul Quader Mirza

Abdul Quader Mirza, mayor of Noakhali's Basurhat municipality, yesterday voiced resentment over alleged remarks about him by his elder brother Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.

"In presence of one of his servants, he [Obaidul Quader] said I am a self-proclaimed mayoral candidate, and that I am not a party man.

"Now you people tell me whether I am a self-proclaimed candidate… This is an insult," the mayor said at a rally in Basurhat's Hospital Gate area.

Mirza, who is contesting the January 16 Basurhat municipality polls for the mayoral post on the Awami League ticket, has recently stirred up a debate in the country's political arena through some of his comments.

Yesterday, the mayor said, "He [Obaidul Quader] even said my speeches are harmful and shameful for the party… But I am telling the truth about irregularities and corruption. I'm not saying this as brother of Obaidul Quader.

"My elder brother is not with me. The party's central leaders and district unit leaders are also not with me. But are you with me? If you like me, please go to polling centres on January 16 morning and vote for me," he told the rally.

Mirza once again accused some AL leaders in Noakhali of hatching a conspiracy against him to incite violence centring the election.

He hoped the election commissioner concerned, scheduled to visit the electoral area tomorrow, would take necessary measures to hold the polls in a free and fair manner.

He also slammed both the deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police in the district, alleging that they were playing a "biased role".

"The DC and the SP did not take any action against the woman who hurled abusive words at me over phone," claimed Mirza.

"I have told the truth and will continue to do so… If I am re-elected, I will take stern action against those who are involved in crimes, corruption and irregularities."

Over the last few days, Mirza on several occasions said if elections were held in a free and fair manner, all AL lawmakers in Noakhali region, except those from three or four constituencies, "would not have found ways to escape".

While unveiling his election manifesto on December 31 last year, he alleged that some local lawmakers and AL leaders are involved in corruption, tender manipulation and recruitment scams.

His remarks put the AL top brass in an awkward situation.