AL rebel quits Sitakunda municipal polls after attack

A mayor aspirant today pulled out of Sitakunda municipality election following an attack on his press conference by Awami League activists last night.

Safiul Alam is the incumbent mayor of the municipality, who resigned from the ruling party recently for contesting the election this year, reports our Chittagong correspondent. 

He took the decision to quit the race early today, said the family sources. He could not be contacted directly as his mobile phone was switched off and he made no public appearance after the attack.

“The prevailing condition is not secure and fit for elections. If I contest with my popularity my opponent will use muscle power and firearms,” said Ahmed Shamim, son-in-law who was campaigning for Safiul.   

Shamim said the five-time elected local representative, who was mayor from 1998 to 2003 and 2007 to present, has been shocked by the violent attitude of some of his junior activists.

Soumitra Chakrabarti, a member of Sitakunda Press Club, said they have accused 25 to 30 unidentified and two named Jubo league leaders for the attack that left ten injured.