2 Al Bigwigs Firm To Remain In Kcc Mayoral Race
Enayet says party did a mistake by nominating Khaleque
Talukder Khaleque and Advocate Enayet Ali
Two prominent leaders of Khulna Awami League are firm on running in the mayoral race in Khulna City Corporation (KCC) election, widening the rift in Kkulna AL, already dogged by internal feud. Advocate Enayet Ali, a senior member of Khulna city AL and former chairman of the then Khulna Municipality, made it clear to Talukder Khaleque Friday night that he would remain in the polls race. Talukder Khaleque sent some top leaders of the party for the second time to Enayet Ali requesting to withdraw from the race. Enayet Ali, while flatly declining the request, told AL leaders that he would contest for the mayor post 'at any cost and no power on earth can deter him from this'. Enayet Ali told local party leaders that 14-party alliance took a 'wrong decision' by giving green signal to Talukder Khaleque to run in the polls race with party support. Local body elections are not held on party basis. He also asked local leaders not to exert their influence in the non-party local body election violating electoral code of conduct. Talking to this correspondent Friday night, Enayet Ali said, “Those who nominated Khaleque to contest for the mayoral post did not prove their efficient leadership at all”. He again advised Talukder Khaleque to withdraw his candidature by today to avoid 'defeat'. Enayet Ali also advised Talukder Khaleque to 'take preparation to contest in the general election from Bagerhat-3 (Rampal-Mongla) seat'. Talukder Khaleque was elected lawmaker twice from the constituency. When asked, Talukder Abdul Khaleque said, “Enayet Ali should withdraw his candidature to prove his loyalty to Awami League”. Awami League will certainly take proper action against Enayet Ali if he does not withdraw his candidature expressing his allegiance to the party, he added. The matter has been brought to notice of central leaders for action against Enayet Ali, Talukder Khaleque said. Talukder Abdul Khaleque, who filed his nomination on July 3, sent a group of top local leaders of the party to the residence of Enayet Ali on July 4 to request him to withdraw his nomination. Enayet Ali turned down the request. The tug-of-war between the two prominent leaders for the KCC mayoral post has created an embarrassing situation for Khulna AL, already dogged by intra-party feud. Khulna district AL Sheikh Harun-ar-Rashid and city AL general secretary Mizanur Rahman Mizan differ on the role being played by Enayet Ali in the polls issue. Enayet Ali has been 'fielded' Khaleque by a group of party leaders, Mizan told this correspondent yesterday. Haroon, when asked, denied the allegation saying he would reply to this after the KCC election.
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