CHITTAGONG: Chittagong City Corporation Mayor-elect M Manjur Alam Tuesday met his predecessor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury and exchanged greetings, letting off much of the steam from their strained camaraderie.
Manjur went to his former boss’ Chashma Hill residence at about 10 am and stayed there for about 45 minutes in a family atmosphere—the meeting giving an air of reconciliation.
Emerging from the previous Mayor’s house, his successor told journalists, “Today’s meeting was a good beginning of a new culture in our politics. I want to work with Mohiuddin for the development of Chittagong, rising above all political differences.”
No BNP leaders were with Manjur Alam during the visit. But, ruling Awami League-backed councilors Hasan Mahmud Hasni and Giasuddin, also opponent of Mohiuddin, accompanied Manjur.
Manjur said,” I have a family relationship with Mohiuddin for a long time. I wanted his overall cooperation in my work. He (Mohiuddin) too assured me of extending his cooperation.”
Mentioning Mohiuddin Chowdhury like his elder brother, the new city father said he expected the former mayor’s advice and cooperation in all of his works.
He informed that an advisory committee would be formed to run the activities of the CCC and Mohiuddin Chowdhury would also be on the panel. But, he did not discuss anything in this regard with Mohiuddin today.
Replying to a question, the mayor-elect of the port city said, ”Mohiuddin is a man of high stature. Despite having political differences, we don’t have any personal conflict”.
After meeting Mohiudin, Manjur Alam, who crossed over from AL to opposition BNP before the polls, went to Rangunia to offer fateha at the first grave of BNP-founder slain President Ziaur Rahman.
Backed by BNP, Manjur Alam under the banner of ‘ Chattragram Unnayan Andolon’ got elected Mayor of Chittagiong defeating his archrival League-backed candidate ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury in the June 17 CCC election, ending the latter’s long 17 years of hold on the local- government body.
BDST: Corr/AZ/SA/LY/MUA
