Family fights over AL ticket

Land Minister Shamsur Rahman Sherif will face challenges from his own home for the party's nomination in the upcoming national polls.

His daughter, Mahjebin Shirin Pia, and son-in-law, Abul Kalam Azad Mintu, are running against him for the “boat” symbol at Pabna-4, along with 14 other aspirants. 

“I have been involved with Awami League politics for many years and I have enough dedication for the party. I deserve party's nomination,” Mintu, also mayor of Ishwardi municipality, told The Daily Star.

However, he said he would not run as an independent candidate if he failed to get the nomination, adding, “I will work for whoever gets the boat symbol.”

Contacted, Pia refused to comment on the issue.

Meanwhile Sherif, who has been the lawmaker in that area since for the past 20 years, could not be reached over phone.

Talking to the locals, this correspondent found different versions about Sherif's performance.

Some people said they wanted to see new leadership in the constituency, while others said the veteran Sherif's experience was necessary for the development of the area.

“As he has been assuming the chair for around 20 years, a sense of autocracy has come about. We want a change [for that],” said Shahidul Islam Ratan, president of Atghoria upazila AL.

On the other hand, Ishwardi upazila AL Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman Mintu said, “Sherif has gained much popularity because of his good performance over the years, so we want him again.”