Quader's brother keeps questioning neutrality of polls
The younger brother of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader continues to raise questions about the fairness of elections and some lawmakers in greater Noakhali, stirring up a debate in the country's political arena.
Abdul Quader Mirza, the incumbent mayor of Basurhat municipality in Noakhali, at least on two occasions, claimed that if elections were held in a free and fair manner, all AL MPs in greater Noakhali, except for the ones in three or four constituencies, "would not have found ways to escape".
Mirza is contesting the Basurhat municipality polls, slated for January 16, for the mayoral post on the AL ticket.
While unveiling his election manifesto on December 31 last year, he brought allegations against some local lawmakers and AL leaders of corruption, tender manipulation and recruitment scams at the local level.
He claimed that the district AL committee was formed, excluding the party's devoted and testedleaders.
"With regret, I want to say some sycophants often say that the BNP's bastions in Noakhali and Laxmipur were destroyed because of some certain leaders.
"Have the BNP's bastions been really destroyed? If elections were held in a fair manner, our MPs, except for the ones in three or four constituencies in greater Noakhali, would not have found ways to escape. That's the truth."
On January 3, Mirza, along with his supporters, blocked the zero point area in Basurhat and staged demonstration. His supporters also burnt tyres there.
At a street rally in Basurhat's Jamairtek area today, Mirza said, "If I make comments, it is considered as an offence. They are threatening to shoot me down. But I am not afraid. I am not even scared of Obaidul Quader.
"I will not abandon the political ideologies of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman even if I am expelled from the party," he said.
Mirza's remarks have put the AL top brass in an embarrassing situation and led to questions about the reasons for making such comments. Cashing in on the situation, BNP leaders said Mirza's remarks proved that the government has been deceiving people, using the Election Commission.
Asked about his brother's remarks, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said no one except Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is essential for the party.
"There is no scope for sparing anyone under special consideration. The party chief can make any decision over violation of party discipline," he told journalists at a programme in the capital without mentioning his brother's name.
Talking to The Daily Star today, Mirza said, "In most cases, elections are marred by irregularities. These are local issues, not national ones. Those who have muscle power and money are doing this.
"But I want to set an example of fair election. The current government led by Sheikh Hasina is trying to restore democracy. We all should cooperate with her."
In reply to a query, Mirza said he was receiving death threats from unidentified mobile numbers and fake IDs.
"A conspiracy is on to kill me," he claimed, adding that all the conspirators are involved in AL politics.
He also said he wasn't facing any pressure from the party high-ups.
Earlier in a press release on Tuesday, he claimed that his statements were presented partially in the media.
At different programmes on Thursday and Sunday, he alleged that some party leaders were hatching a conspiracy to make sure that he loses the upcoming Basurhat municipality polls.
Two lawmakers -- one in Noakhali and another in Feni --, a mayoral candidate in Feni municipality, a former chairman of Companyganj upazila parishad and a banker are the masterminds behind the conspiracy, he alleged.
He also demanded reconstitution of the district AL committee, impartial investigation into Ekram killing in Feni and an end to tender manipulation by "AL men".
Mirza also alleged that many local AL leaders are involved in misdeeds such as tender manipulation and awarding jobs in exchange for money.
They are now emerging as big leaders, he claimed.
Popularity of no AL leaders, except for Sheikh Hasina, has seen a rise, he added.
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