BNP to 'expel' independent candidate Kamrul despite 'nobody to party'  

Kamrul Ahsan

A recommendation has been sent to BNP to expel Kamrul Ahsan, an independent mayoral candidate of the Barishal City Corporation election, though the party leaders earlier claimed he was not involved in BNP politics.

BNP received a list from its Barishal unit which contains the names of 19 current and former leaders, who are contesting in the election defying the party's order. Two more names will be incorporated in the list, said a source, on charges of breaching the party's discipline.

When asked, the city BNP convener, Maniruzzaman, told Prothom Alo that "Why are you giving him such importance? Is he a part of our party? Has anybody ever seen him in Barishal politics? We have no decision regarding him."

Maniruzzaman further said they didn't send any list to the BNP. Rather the party has made a list and will take action accordingly.

However, a member of the convening committee Jahidur Rahman, who is also in charge of the city BNP office, told Prothom Alo, "We sent a list of 19 leaders to the high command. Among them, only Kamrul is vying for the mayoral post."

When asked why Kamrul's name is included, Jahidur said Kamrul was a member of the central and Dhaka University unit Jatiyatabadi Chaatra Dal (JCD).

When asked about the recommendation of his expulsion, Kamrul said, he has no comment over the issue, adding "the inclusion of my name in the list proves whether I am with BNP or not."