Tearing into his former party, former MLA contestant from Rajabala and current supporter of the Congress’ bid to win the seat, Dr Mizanur Rehman Kazi, has asserted that there was no democracy within the National People’s Party (NPP) and it has now become a ‘family’ party.
In a freewheeling talk this morning, Dr Kazi stated that he is one of those who brought the party to the limelight in the plains belt and yet his voice and those of others were ignored.
“I was not only a supporter of the NPP but built up the party in Rajabala. The attitude they have shown and the undemocratic ways in which they are working has caused unhappiness to me as well as the people here. The party has become a family party. We want a party that is closer to the people of Rajabala,” said the former NPP leader.
While he is yet to join the Congress, Dr Kazi said he would take a call on the matter once the election was over.
“We have capable people in our constituency who can lead the people. Rajabala is not a dustbin where you can dump people from other places to contest. My main agenda is the local representative issue,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Congress candidate, Hasina Yasmin Begum, expressed confidence in retaining the seat for the party.
“We are receiving very positive vibes from our campaigns. The issue of the prestige of Rajabala is being brought into question and is something we are serious on,” said Hasina, the widow of Dr Azad Zaman, whose death in office necessitated the by-election.
She added that her main aim is to ensure that the works left incomplete by her late husband are completed by 2023, when his term would have ended.
On the issue of alleged threats made by NPP workers and leaders, Hasina said that they will definitely raise the matter with the election authorities if the same continues.
Meanwhile, Dr Kazi confirmed that a complaint has been filed against the GHADC CEM, Benedict Marak, over supposed threats he made to voters if they did not support the NPP in Rajabala.
