BNP's Selim, AL's Khaleque blame each other

He refuted allegations that BNP has unleashed a "reign of terror" in Bagerhat and that it is not allowing AL to hold any rally and pubic meeting.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday Selim blamed former state minister Talukder Abdul Khaleque MP for "creating lawlessness in Bagerhat by making an unholy alliance with extremists". He called upon Bagerhat AL leaders to shun "politics of hooliganism and destruction".

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The BNP leader said none of his party leaders and activists created any problem in peaceful holding of the by-election to the post of chairman of Mongla Pourasava. The election was absolutely free and fair and the verdict of voters went in favour of the AL-backed candidate.

Selim alleged that Talukder Khaleque has been "assigned" by his party's high command to "create unrest" in Bagerhat for making it a hot political issue. The four-party alliance is committed to foil such conspiracy, he added.

When contacted, Talukder, who is also Khulna City AL president termed Selim "a liar".

Denying the allegations, he said Selim has taken administration in Bagerhat in his grip. "He is harbouring extremists in the South-Western region and nurturing them for killing Awami League leaders", Khaleque said.