Chittagong Mayor Nasir visits former mayor Manjur at his home, seeks cooperation

New Chittagong Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin has visited his predecessor M Manjur Alam at his home with flowers and sought his assistance in running the city corporation.

A humble Alam, who boycotted the election midway, alleging rigging, and quit politics, welcomed his successor with open arms, promising all help.

Nasir, 58, general secretary of the Awami League’s port city unit, defeated Alam by 170,524 votes in the Apr 28 polls.

He went to the former mayor’s home with the local MP and party leaders on Sunday morning, four days after he was sworn-in.

It was just a repeat of what Alam did after he beat his mentor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury in 2010.

The two mayors gave each other bear hug and shared sweets before discussing various issues.

After the warm meeting, Nasir told reporters that he wanted to run the city corporation with the advice of his predecessors.

“I’m yet to assume office. When I do, I will certainly seek assistance from Manju bhai (a Bangla word used to show respects),” he said.

But he will have to wait until July 25 when present city corporation’s term ends.

Alam said he, too, had visited his predecessor, Mohiuddin, after the 2010 election. 

“The new mayor came to visit me. I welcomed him,” he said, adding he would give Nasir all the help he wants.

“Our country will go a long way if this culture is kept up.”

Nasir said he would work with everyone for the sake of the six million residents of the port city.

“I’m speaking with city corporation officials everyday and learning various things from them,” he added. “I’ll follow this routine until I take over.”