Mohiuddin, Nasir at loggerheads

Rivalry between Mohiuddin and Nasir is an old issue which started in the 80s when Nasir was a student leader loyal to Akhtaruzzman Chowhdury Babu, a former presidium member of Awami League and former president of Chittagong (south district) unit AL, in the 80s and 90s, and Mohiuddin, a general secretary of Chittagong (city) unit AL. The rivalry between Mohiuddin and Babu was well-known at that time, said party sources. The recent conflict between Mohiuddin and Nasir is a continuation of disagreement between the two leaders over a series of issues in the last two years, report our Chittagong correspondents.

Chittagong city unit Awami League president ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury and the unit's general secretary AJM Nasir Uddin continued the war of words against each other yesterday.

After slamming the incumbent city mayor Nasir in the Monday's rally, Mohiuddin, a former city mayor, from a press conference yesterday alleged that Nasir “did not have any clear idea” about how to do development work at a cheaper cost.

“But, he [Nasir] does not come to me for advice,” said Mohiuddin at the press conference at Premier University in the city, adding, “If he [Nasir] knew how to take income-generating projects, he would not have increased tax.”

Mohiuddin said he was also against the increase of holding tax.

Meanwhile, Nasir at his city corporation office told reporters there is no basis for Mohiuddin's allegations.

“Some are saying he [Mohiuddin] has become old and has no control over what he says,” said Nasir.

“He [Mohiuddin] wanted to be a mayor and eventually became frustrated once he realised he would not become so in future. Therefore, he is raising baseless allegations.”

Nasir also alleged that during Mohiuddin's tenure as a mayor, many “unplanned works” including building markets over drains were done, which remains a main reason for waterlogging in the city.

Nasir said, “He [Mohiuddin] alleged that I bought nomination for the mayoral post…who gave me the nomination? The prime minister gave me the nomination…then who took the money? What did he mean by that allegation…I want to know.”