Khulna city polls: BNP expels councillor candidate

BNP has expelled a councillor candidate for Khulna City Corporation elections for allegedly breaching party discipline. The expelled BNP-backed candidate, Sheikh Hafizur Rahman, was joint secretary of the party’s Khulna metropolitan unit. BNP’s Khulna city unit Joint Secretary Tarikul Islam confirmed the matter Saturday night. In a letter, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said: “Sheikh Hafizur Rahman has been expelled from all level posts, including primary membership, as per section 5 (Ga) of the party’s constitution based on specific allegations of involving in the activities contrary to the party discipline.” Allegations are that Hafiz sought votes in favour of Awami League mayoral candidate Talukder Abdul Khalek instead of BNP’s mayoral candidate Nazrul Islam Manju. The Khulna city polls are scheduled to be held on May 15.