Ershad's statement angers Rangpur AL leaders
AL can bag 10 seats if it goes alone, says party adviser Maj Gen (retd) Ameen
HM Ershad
Awami League nomination aspirant in December 18 election from greater Rangpur have expressed their anger over Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad's statement about nomination in 21 constituencies, made on Sunday. According to them, the issue is yet to be settled by the proposed 'grand alliance' but Ershad made AL leaders and activists frustrated and angry by declaring that JP would not compromise on nomination in 21 of 22 constituencies in greater Rangpur. AL had called a meeting of AL front runners in the area at Rangpur Town Hall on October 13 but it was cancelled on 'pressure' from party central leaders. They however held several secret meetings in Rangpur town, attended by prominent leaders including Tipu Munshi, HN Ashiqur Rahman, Anis Choudhury, Sharfuddin Ahmed Jhontu and Maj. Gen. (Retd) AMSA Ameen, party sources said. Ershad, on Sunday (October 5) at Rangpur JP office told newsmen, “Greater Rangpur is a vote bank of Jatiya Party. It can not spare any constituency in the region except Nilphamari-2 for grand alliance partners.” He made similar statements during his earlier visit to the area. Refuting Ershad's statement, AL aspirant from Rangpur-1 Sharfuddin Ahmed Jhontu said, “Ershad may demand it but the issue would be settled after party chief Sheikh Hasina arrives in the country”. AL advisory committee member Maj. Gen. (Retd) AMSA Ameen, an aspirant for Kurigram-2 said, his party leaders and activists can never accept such proposal from Ershad. He said, “I also want JP to be a partner of the grand alliance. But Awami League may win in more than ten constituencies in greater Rangpur if it goes alone in the parliamentary election.” AL aspirant from Rangpur-4 Tipu Munshi said, “His declaration contradicts the spirit of democracy and of the grand alliance. “As a partner, JP must respect opinion of alliance partners. He can not take decision alone.” Bangladesh expatriate in London Shamsul Haque, an AL aspirant from a Kurigram constituency, said, “In the past, Ershad nominated such a candidate who can neither read nor write. Money is the only qualification to be a candidate for JS election”.
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