JP MP declared 'unwanted' in Kurigram-2 constituency

A civic body comprising leaders of both Awami League and BNP and representatives of the elite at a rally in Rajarhat upazila in Kurigram district yesterday declared local lawmaker Tajul Islam Choudhury 'unwanted' in the area.

Speakers at the rally alleged that virtually there was no development work in Rajarhat and two other upazilas under Kurigram-2 constituency due to his 'corruption and nepotism'. Tajul Islam was elected in 2001 election with Jatiya party (Ershad) ticket.

They also alleged that the lawmaker's men misappropriated at least Tk 50 lakh and 500 tonnes of rice allotted for development projects in the constituency in last few years.

The rally was held at Rajarhat Mir Ismail Hossen Degree College ground by the newly formed civic body titled 'Rajarhat Upazila Unnayan Sangram Committee'.

Speakers at the rally vowed to resist political activities by Tajul Islam Choudhury in the constituency.

They also declared that members of the committee irrespective party affiliations will move from door to door and urge people not to cast vote for Tajul Islam if Jatiya Party (E) nominates him from the constituency in the coming election.

Presided over by Dr Wahed Rafique, the rally was addressed by, among others, Kurigram district BNP vice-president Shafiqul Islam Bebu, Rajarhat upazila BNP secretary Anisur Rahman, upazila Awami League secretary Aktaruzzaman Abu Noor, Upazila Chhatra League convener Bablu and upazila Jubo Dal organising secretary Zakaria Hossen.

When contacted over cellphone, Tajul Islam said whose who declared him unwanted do not represent the people. "People of the constituency want to see me as MP again".

He also refuted the allegations of corruption brought against him by the Sangram Committee.

"The allegations are false, made only to tarnish my image in the area", he said.