The rejoinder signed by Gopalpur upazila AL president Selimuzzaman Talukder and general secretary Md. Rakibul Haq Sana said the report stated that Khandaker Asaduzzaman, after losing the parliamentary election from Gopalpur constituency in 2001, did not maintain any contact with local party men. This is not true, they said.

In fact he won the polls but was declared defeated, they claimed. Since the election, he is with the party men, protecting them from 'repression of ruling party men', and holding party programmes. AL leaders and workers in Gopalpur are united under the leadership of Asaduzzaman, they said.

Rafiqul Islam was never involved with Awami League and its activities in the area. Blessed by some BNP leaders, he is trying to create confusion among AL men in the area, they alleged.

Our reply: Our story was based on facts and statements of local party leaders.

Rival supporters of Asaduzzaman and Rafiqul Islam brought out separate processions and held rallies in the area on many occasions. They clashed on July 17 and August 11 during such programmes. Section 144 was imposed at Gopaldi on August 12 as rival factions announced programmes at the same venue.