Khondokar Asaduzzaman and Rafiqul Islam Manju, the two main contenders for nomination from the constituency (Gopalpur-Bhuapur), held separate press conferences at Tangail Press Club recently, accusing each other.

Asaduzzaman, advisor of AL chief Sheikh Hasina and former AL lawmaker from Tangail-2, held a press conference on September 17. He claimed that said Rafiqul Islam Manju was none of AL. He (Rafiqul Islam) is an employee of Acme Laboratories owned by state minister Mizanur Rahman Sinha, Asaduzzaman said.

"He (Rafiqul Islam Manju) is trying to create chaos and confusion in the party by introducing himself as a possible candidate from the constituency in coming election", he said.

Claiming that he would get AL ticket from Tangail-2, he said he has been maintaining regular contact with local party leaders and activists and also holding different programmes including meetings and demonstrations since 2002, ignoring harassment by ruling party men.

There is no feud in Gopalpur-Bhuapur AL and all are united under the leadership of Asaduzzaman, other party leaders told the press conference. There was some internal problem which has been removed by expelling five 'misguided' members of Bhuapur upazila AL, they said.

The press conference was attended by, among others, Gopalpur upazila AL President of Halimuzzaman Talukdar, it's secretary Rakibul Haque Chhana and Bhuapur upazila AL president Abdul Halim.

The other contender for nomination, Rafiqul Islam Manju, held a press conference on September 22, introducing himself as assistant secretary of central AL sub-committee on environment and forests.

It was attended by, among others, convener of Gopalpur Krishak League Belayet Hossen, Jubo League joint-convener Ashrafuzzaman Azad, Gopalpur Poura Jubo League president Sakhaowat Hossain, and Chhatra League convener Biman Kumar Shaha.

In a written statement, Rafiqul Islam Manju alleged that indiscipline cropped up in Gopalpur AL after Khondokar Asaduzzaman was elected from the constituency in 1996.

"Gopalpur upazila Awami League, elected in 1997, was changed by Asaduzzaman, which created a rift in the party" Rafiqul Islam said.

Talking to this correspondent on Monday, some dedicated AL leaders and activists expressed their frustration over mudslinging between the two nomination aspirants from the constituency. There is good prospect of regaining the seat, which is being shattered due to the rivalry between Asaduzzaman and Rafiqul, they said.