AL rebels resolute to contest CCC polls

Many Awami League rebel candidates for Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) councillor race are determined to contest the polls, despite the party's strict order of not doing so.

The election has been deferred to January 27 from March 29 last year due to Covid-19, according to Election Commission.

Among the pro-AL councillors elected in the last polls in 41 wards, 14 failed to get party backing this time. Of them, 12 submitted nomination papers and did not withdraw candidacy despite warning from party leaders.

The candidates believe they have "voters' support from grass roots". Many of them also alleged that they fell victim to "conspiracy" and "injustice".

Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif, joint general secretary of AL,  at a programme in the port city on December 19 reiterated the intention of taking action against those who would compete for the councillor posts, defying party decision.

He also warned them that they would not be given party nomination or support in any polls in future.

Abul Fazal Kabir Ahmed Manik, who was elected councillor of ward-14 in the last CCC polls, said AL is not backing him this time. "Councillor polls is non-political. So, there is no question of defying party decision," he said.

Immediate past councillor of ward-33 Hasan Murad Biplob echoed him.

Similarly, Abdul Quader said he will vie for the post in ward-28 as per "locals' demand". About the warning, he said he has been serving the party for 37 years. "If the party does not evaluate my contribution, I have nothing to say," he added.

Saber Ahmed, who was elected councillor in ward-32 in the last polls, however, said he would have withdrawn candidacy, if it was possible. Now, there is no scope to do so, and top party leaders did not hold any meeting with them regarding the matter.

AL insiders said the party will not take any action against such rebel candidates right now, considering possible damage to the campaign for mayoral post. They will face the music after the election is held.

Contacted, AJM Nasir Uddin, AL Chattogram city unit general secretary and member secretary of AL election management committee for CCC polls, said the party is strict in its decision of taking stern action against the rebel candidates.

The former CCC mayor said, "If anyone wants to stay in the party, they must follow its decision."