NCP’s Narayanganj-4 candidate alleges presence of criminals around BNP-led alliance rival

The NCP-nominated candidate for the Narayanganj-4 constituency, Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, today alleged that individuals identified as extortionists and criminals were seen around BNP-led alliance candidate Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi.

He made the remark while responding to a question during a press meet with journalists at a restaurant inside the Narayanganj Press Club building.

On January 14, Mufti Monir, the Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam candidate backed by the BNP-led alliance, expressed concern at a press briefing over the possible use of muscle power and black money in the upcoming election.

Asked whether he shared similar concerns, the NCP-nominated candidate said those who were talking about such threats were themselves surrounded by individuals identified as "extortionists, godfathers and criminals".

He further alleged that a person accused of extortion by threatening to torch garment factories was also seen sitting beside the BNP-led alliance candidate.

“We, the 10-party alliance, are united. We will not bow to black money. We have never given protection to criminals or extortionists, and we never will,” he said.

The press briefing was organised by the 10-party alliance.

Asked about the allegations, Mufti Monir told The Daily Star, “I thank him (Abdullah). If he provides me with the names of those individuals, I will look into the matter. That would benefit me as well. I have always worked with good people and want to continue doing so.”