Election 2008

Ctg-9 may see a tough battle of bigwigs

18 December 2008, 18:00 PM

Nuruddin Alamgir, Ctg

With tough contest looming large in vital Chittagong-9 (Doublemooring-Pahartali) constituency, all the four prospective candidates are passing time amid a frantic campaign. Former minister and central BNP Joint Secretary General Abdullah Al Noman, Chittagong City Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary Dr Afsarul Amin, independent candidate former acting mayor M Monjur Alam and Jatiya Party (Ershad) central Vice President Morshed Murad Ibrahim are contesting here. BNP candidate Abdullah Al Noman won in 1991 and 2001 parliamentary elections from the then prestigious Chittagong-9 (Kotwali, now Chittagong-8) constituency. Chittagong BNP is looking forward to cashing in on his political background and strong party-base in Doublemooring and Pahartali areas. Dr Afsarul of AL was earlier defeated in the poll battle but he continued maintaining close link with the local people and with strong support-base, he obtained party nomination for competing with 'boat' symbol. Although JP candidate Morshed Murad got the green signal to compete (with poll symbol 'plough') from AL-led grand alliance following a seat-sharing deal, Dr Afsarul is surprisingly and very strongly staying in the race with full support from Chittagong city AL. This unique polarisation or agreement between the AL and JP puts the battle onto an interesting note. But ward councillor Monjur Alam, a local resident, is likely to appear as a big barrier for the other three candidates. Alongside his extensive social and charitable works, a 'clean image' is Monjur's big advantage. Locals said Monjur would get support from a section of supporters of both AL and BNP while the 'floating' voters may also favour him. JP candidate Morshed Murad is comparatively less known in the political field but has a good reputation in the constituency and the city since he hails from a noble family.