Election 2008Dinajpur-4

Rebels challenges for alliances

24 December 2008, 18:00 PM

Kongkon Karmaker, Dinajpur

Two rebel candidates of Awami League (AL) and BNP in Dinajpur-4 constituency have appeared as challenges for both AL-led grand alliance and BNP-led four-party alliance. Former AL whip Mizanur Rahman Manu is contesting as an independent candidate while AHM Mahmud Ali is the grand alliance candidate for the seat. Mizanur Rahman, who was elected lawmaker in 1986, 1991 and 1996 with 'boat' symbol, may stand in the way of Mahmud Ali in the polls race, political observers said. BNP rebel candidate Md Hafizur Rahman Sarker is also posing challenge for BNP-led four-party candidate Md Akhtaruzzaman Miah who was elected lawmaker defeating Mizanur Rahman in the seat in 2001. BNP rebel candidate, industrialist Hafizur Rahman recently gained much popularity in the area by setting up a garment factory that created huge employment opportunity and extending humanitarian help for the distressed people. During this correspondent's recent visit to Dinajpur-4 constituency, it was observed that AL leaders and activists of the area are divided over support to rebel candidate Mizanur Rahman and party nominee Mahmud Ali. Mahmud Ali, however, claimed that most of the leaders and workers of upazila AL are working for him. Minzaur Rahman's name was on top of the panel of nominees that the local AL sent to the central AL leaders for final nomination but the party ticket was given to Mahmud Ali, party sources said.