‘Organisational issues’ partially responsible

We have some intra-party problems there [in Rangpur] ... We are looking into those. We are going to take major organisational action in Rangpur within a week.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said "organisational issues" are partially responsible for Awami League's humiliating defeat in Tuesday's mayoral polls in Rangpur city.

"We have some intra-party problems there [in Rangpur]... We are looking into those. We are going to take major organisational action in Rangpur within a week," Quader said while talking to reporters at the secretariat in the capital.

Quader, also the road, transport and bridges minister, said his party was aware of Jatiya Party candidate's popularity among the public in Rangpur city.

"Jatiya Party candidate was ahead in public opinion polls. There are some problems within the Awami League too. Otherwise, the difference of votes would not have been so much. Another candidate was also from Awami League. It was already known that the Jatiya Party candidate was leading..."

Besides, there was no attempt to force the results. From that point of view, democracy won there, said Quader.

"It was a local election, not the national one. Many things are considered in the local elections," he said replying to a query over the AL candidate placing  fourth.

"We were behind in the election race, but we did not try hard to go forward," he said. "We have accepted the people's verdict."

In Tuesday's polls, Jatiya Party candidate Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa scored a resounding victory and was re-elected as the mayor.

AL candidate Hosne Ara Lutfa Dalia was in the fourth position while AL rebel Latifur Rahman Milan ended up with more votes than her.

AL didn't make any mistake in selecting the candidate for the election, Quader added.

Meanwhile, Dhallywood star Mahiya Mahi yesterday bought the nomination form for Awami League, as she plans on standing for the role of Member of Parliament (MP) in the Chapainawabganj-2 constituency.

The actress collected the nomination form from the AL chief's Dhanmondi political office.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Mahiya Mahi said, "I am already a member of the central committee of Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote. At the same time, I have already been working for the people of my area and I want to continue to do so in the future. This is why I have decided to stand for the post of MP."

As the seat of Chapainawabganj-2 is vacant, the by-polls will be held on February 1, 2023.

Earlier, while speaking at the secretariat Quader said he discussed the matter [Mahi's desire to get nomination of AL] with Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.

"She (Mahi) wants to buy the nomination form to become a party candidate. She wants to be a candidate in Chapainawabganj."

"The prime minister said that her (Mahi's) family belongs to Awami League. She is also an activist of Awami League. So, let her collect the form," added Quader. 

Asked if the actress is going to get the party ticket, Quader said, "I cannot say whether she would be our candidate or not. She has been given the rights to buy the form."