<i>Shefali of Natore-1 finally gives in</i>

Though Shefali Momtaz clinched Awami League ticket defeating her brother-in-law Abul Kalam Azad in the fight for nomination she could not hold the ground in Natore-1 (Lalpur-Bagatipara) constituency.
Killed former lawmaker Momtazuddin's widow Shefali Momtaz had to concede to MA Talha of Jatiya Party who was finally chosen as the Grand Alliance nominee in the seat.
Party sources said, BNP central publicity secretary former state minister Fazlur Rahman Patal won the seat for four times in a row with huge margin of votes.
Former MP Momtazuddin was killed by terrorists on June 6, 2003. Following his death his wife Shefali Momtaz and their son Sagor got entangled in a leadership feud with Momtazuddin's brother district AL vice president Advocate Abul Kalam Azad. After a long struggle Shefali Momtaz on November 17 got AL nomination signed by party chief Sheikh Hasina for contesting in the upcoming national election from Natore-1 constituency. Advocate Azad made an abortive attempt to change the nomination in his favour. But at last the ticket went to Grand Alliance partner Jatiya Party's MA Talha.
In his reaction to Talha's nomination Advocate Abul Kalam Azad said he would work as per party decision. He said if the alliance partner candidate takes AL election symbol boat the winning would be easier.
Thana Awami League general secretary Ishaque Ali speaking on behalf of Shefali Momtaz said, all will have to work accepting the party decision.
JP leader MA Talha expressing his reaction to getting Grand Alliance ticket said, "I have been nominated by the Grand Alliance. But so far I have received no written papers. However, I hope to get a letter jointly signed by Sheikh Hasina and HM Ershad in a day or two."