No love lost between Samad, Suranjit

AL sources said the discord is mainly about gaining supremacy in party politics in the district.

Suranjit Sengupta was announced persona non grata in Sunamganj on July 15 by a section of the district unit. Suranjit blamed Abdus Samad Azad for instigating the local leaders to take such a decision.

A noisy argument ran between the two AL leaders on this issue at the AL Central Working Committee (ALCWC) meeting held on Friday.

"I raised the matter before the ALCWC meeting demanding disciplinary action against the persons for taking such a decision against a senior central leader," Suranjit told The Daily Star.

"All my colleagues supported me, but the acting president disagreed with the motion of the meeting", he said adding that Abdus Samad Azad did not allow it to be discussed.

Abdus Samad Azad, who chaired the meeting as party's acting president, said in the meeting the matter would be raised to party chief Sheikh Hasina after her return.

Sheikh Hasina returned on Sunday after a four-day visit in Italy.

Suranjit said, "Mainstream leaders of the Sunamganj district have no connection with the decision. "

"I hope party chief will take action against the culprits", he added.

Abdus Samad Azad was not available for comment.

AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil said the district unit is not authorised to take such a decision. "We will look into the matter", he said.

"Actually there is no political or ideological conflict between the two leaders. There might be race for leadership in any party", he added.