AL, JP clash over candidature

Three persons were injured in a clash between supporters of Awami League (AL) and Jatiya Party (JP) at Uttar Bazar in Kulaura town over selecting candidate for Moulvibazar-2 constituency yesterday evening.
Meantime, BNP nominee advocate Abed Raja has got back his candidature for the same constituency through an order from the High Court.
The clash at Uttar Bazar followed change of grand alliance candidate in the seat.
AL's Central Election Organising Committee Co-chairman HT Imam issued a letter asking party workers to campaign for AL nominee Ataur Rahman Shamim as the grand alliance candidate for the constituency as the High Court declared his candidacy valid.
Earlier, JP nominee Nawab Ali Abbas Khan had been declared as grand alliance candidate for the seat following negotiation between AL and JP high commands and local leaders and workers of AL started campaign for him.
During scrutiny of nomination papers, the returning officer (RO) had cancelled Ataur Rahman Shamim's nomination paper. After the Election Commission (EC) upheld the RO's decision, Shamim challenged it before the High Court.
A tense situation is prevailing in the area as supporters of Shamim and Abbas took position at different places.
Kulaura police said three persons including a supporter of the JP nominee were injured in the clash.
JP leader Abbas said, “I was declared as grand alliance candidate through agreement of Awami League and Jatiya Party high commands. So Election Organizing Committee of Awami League has no right to change the decision. Local Awami League leaders and workers are still working for me.”
Meanwhile, BNP nominee advocate Abed Raja got his candidature back for Moulvibazar-2 as the HC on Thursday declared his nomination valid. He has already started election campaign.
Earlier, the RO of Moulvibazar had cancelled his nomination paper during scrutiny due to allegation of his unpaid bank loan.
In absence of BNP candidate in the constituency, former lawmaker BNP leader MM Shahin sought party nomination but BNP high command declined it.
BNP leaders and activists in this constituency are now divided into two factions as a large section of local BNP men are supporting 'rebel' BNP candidate MM Shahin even after the return of BNP nominee Abed Raja.
Many local voters think that the main contest will be held between Ali Abbas Khan and MM Shahin.