Ctg AL leader 'conceals' party identity to vie in next polls

M Zillur Karim Sharifi, reportedly the president of a union unit of Awami League in Chattogram's Banshkhali upazila, has been accused of contesting the upcoming elections as Bangladesh Congress candidate, concealing his position in the ruling party.

According to AL leaders, Zillur Karim aimed to evade the requirement of acquiring signatures from one percent of voters, essential for an independent candidacy, by concealing his AL affiliations.

When confronted, Zillur Karim abruptly hung up the phone upon realising the caller was a journalist, further fueling suspicion.

But an online media on Tuesday quoted Zillur Karim that previously he was the president of Chanua Union Awami League but at present there is no such committee in the union.

Despite his denial, Chanua Union Awami League General Secretary Mujibur Rahman Talukdar has confirmed his position as the president of the union's 51-member committee.

He told The Business Standard, "Zillur Karim has been the president of a 51-member committee of Chanua Union Awami League since 2012-13. Since then, the committee has been active."

In response to the matter, Awami League General Secretary of Banshkhali Upazila MA Ghafoor said organisational action will be taken against Karim.

Chattogram South Awami League President Motaharul Islam Chowdhury said that Karim must resign from all positions in AL before contesting under another party's banner.

Recent verification for the Chattogram-16 constituency (Banshkhali) has confirmed the validity of ten nominations, including Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury from the Awami League, independent candidate Mujibur Rahman, and M Zillur Karim Sharifi representing the Bangladesh Congress.