Chittagong: The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) moves to float a new professional forum following the footprint of the ruling Awami League to shore up their campaign for Chittagong City Corporation elections slated for June 17.

A party source said the new platform would be constituted after finalising the party candidate for the pivotal mayoral position.

The grouping, consisting of university teachers, engineers and lawyers along with other BNP-minded professionals, would have to be familiar in the name of either ‘Amra Chattagrambasi’ or ‘Amra Chattalabasi’, it added.

Aspirant mayoral candidate and city BNP general secretary Dr. Shahadat Hossain told banglanews24.com.bd that the party has planned to form two committees ahead of the polls.

But city BNP president Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “Any such decision is yet to be taken.”

Long-serving Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury of the ruling AL has participated in the CCC elections under the banner of Nagarik Committee since 1994. He declared his candidature again this time around for a fourth consecutive time under the same banner.

City BNP vice-president Dastagir Chowdhury said, “We have no permanent forum of professionals like AL. the party candidate ill be able to announce candidacy under a forum banner, if there be any.”

BdST: 11:15 Hrs. 2010-05-16
SMM/LY/MUA