Opposition backs Mannan for Gazipur mayor

Pro-BNP Sammilito Nagorik Committee yesterday announced to back mayoral aspirant Prof MA Mannan in the July 6 Gazipur City Corporation polls.
“Blessed by our leader Khaleda Zia, I would like to announce that MA Mannan is our candidate and we will work to secure his victory,” said the committee Convener Brig General (retd) ASM Hannan Shah, also BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's adviser.
“Not only the 18-party alliance rather all other parties, except the Awami League-led 14-party alliance, will extend support to Mannan,” the BNP standing committee member told a press conference in the capital's Jatiya Press Club. However, apart from BNP, leaders and activists of its alliance partners were not present yesterday.
Meanwhile at another press conference at BNP's headquarter, Shamsuzzaman Dudu warned Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and Environment Minister Hasan Mahmud not to make any derogatory comment on BNP Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman.
“Please, deliver speeches in a polite and acceptable manner. Currently, at the ending period of this government's tenure, we are counting on your speech and we will pay you back in due time,” said the BNP chairperson's adviser.
Dipu Moni at a press conference on Tuesday said Tarique was no more a political personality and termed him a “fugitive”.
News reports stated that Hasan Mahmud, while inaugurating a Demu (diesel-electric multiple unit) train in Chittagong Railway Station on May 25, compared Tarique with “Roghu Dakat” (an infamous robber).