Magura BNP falls apart

The rift became public on Monday when the two rival factions led by general secretary Ali Ahmed Biswas and vice-president Nazimuddin Ahmed brought out separate processions and held meetings as part of the party's countrywide programme to protest frequent hartal calls by 14-party opposition alliance.

The faction led by Nazimuddin held its meeting at Kadamtala in the town with Nurul Hasan Baku in the chair.

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Speakers there termed Ali Ahmed Biswas an 'outlaw leader' and claimed that he is still involved in underground politics with Sarbohara Party.

They also alleged that Ali Ahmed is accused in at least 19 criminal cases including four for murder, one for looting Madhukhali police station of Faridpur, three for robbery.

The speakers also accused him for sheltering anti-social elements and criminals.

Talking to this correspondent, Ali Ahmed denied his involvement with outlawed parties and tender manipulation. "My opponents are trying to tarnish my image", he said.

He however admitted some criminal cases against him and claimed that those were filed during Awami League rule to harass him. When asked about a separate party procession by his rivals, he said followers of some expelled leaders did that to damage the party.

Talking to this correspondent, former organising secretary of district Jubo Dal Khan Aminur Rahman Pikul however claimed that Ali Ahmed was involved with outlawed parties and that he along with his associates kidnapped businessman Sanatan Pal and realised Tk 8 lakh ransom last year.

The BNP faction led by Ali Ahmed held its meeting at Shegun Bagicha in the town where senior vice-president Aminul Islam Chandu, organising secretary Akter Hossain and municipal chairman Abdul Gofur spoke.