Bikalpadhara leader Mahi B Chowdhury seeks Khaleda’s support in mayoral contest

Bikalpadhara Bangladesh leader Mahi B Chowdhury has sought support of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in his fight for election as Dhaka North City Corporation mayor.

Son of the BNP’s founding secretary general AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, the former MP sought her support at a news call at the National Press Clubon Wednesday.
 
Mahi’s appeal to the BNP chief comes hot on the heels of BNP leader Abdul Awal Mintoo losing the right to contest the election. He has moved the Supreme Court to revive his fortunes.
 
The BNP is now pondering over endorsement to Mintoo’s son Tabith Mohammed Awal who just managed to stay in the race after surviving a hearing on bank loan default.
 
Mahi on Wednesday described Tabith as a ‘little brother’, referring to his ties with businessman Mintoo’s family.
 
“There are nationalist supporters in every house. And Khaleda Zia is the symbol of their unity. So I expect her support,” he said.
 
Bikalpadhara is not a part of the 20-party Alliance led by the BNP but it is close to the party.

Its chief Badruddoza Chowdhury was the president of Bangladesh during a BNP regime.
 
Clearing his stance, Mahi said, “I am not a part of the 20-Party. Abdul Awal Mintoo is the candidate of the alliance. He is now in trouble because of a mistake.
 
“But I cannot be so rude as to ask the 20-Party to nominate me their candidate now.”
 
In reply to media queries, he said he had not contacted Khaleda directly.
 
“But many of the senior BNP leaders have asked me to contest in the polls after the cancellation of Abdul Awal Mintoo’s nominations.
 
“At the same time many in the party have a different view, too,” Mahi said.
 
Former MP Mahi said he would seek the vote of Khaleda, a voter of Dhaka North City Corporation.
 
He also claimed to be a follower of BNP founder and Khaleda’s husband late president Ziaur Rahman.
 
“I also respect Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” he added.

About Awami League-backed candidate Annisul Huq, he said, “He (Annisul) is a good person. Very cultured. He could have been a politician. But he has become Awami League-minded instead.”
 
Mahi started his campaign for the Apr 28 polls at the press conference with the slogan ‘Prajanma Shahar’.
 
He went to campaign at Mohakhali T&T College, Banani Bridge Market and Karail slum later in the afternoon.
 
“We want a generational change and peaceful political activities,” Mahi said.
 
He said his election manifesto would be published soon, emphasising the expectations and ideas of the youths.
 
“Prajanma (young generations) doesn’t want any divisiveness, politics of ego or bloodshed. They want politics of sweat and labour. They want merit-based politics,” he said.
 
He spoke about charting a 100-day plan to develop the northern part of Dhaka City.
 
“My aim will be uprooting corruption. I am honest and will remain honest.
 
“No one could file a graft case against me when I was in the opposition during the tenures of BNP, Awami League and army-backed government,” he said.
 
About the huge property he owned, he said he inherited it from his grandfather, former Awami League leader Kafiluddin Chowdhury.