Azmat seeks solace in ‘unity’

The defeated Awami League-backed mayoral candidate for Gazipur City Azmat Ullah Khan has said his biggest consolation would now be the unity of the party.

Khan, who had been Tongi municipal mayor since 1995, lost by over 100,000 votes to BNP-backed MA Mannan in Saturday’s much-hyped city corporation polls.

“I have accepted the results. People did what they thought would be best and hence I congratulate them,” he said speaking to bdnews24.com on Sunday.

On the day of vote, he had said he would accept the people’s mandate.

Asked about the crushing defeat, Khan said, “Many rumours had been spread. The BNP-Jamaat alliance had used black money. Even religious issues were used [in the campaigns].”

“But I congratulate the people on voting me,” he said.

Former ruling party student front, Bangladesh Chhatra League, leader Jahangir Alam threw himself in the fray although the party had backed Khan in the polls. He later stepped aside at the personal intervention of the Prime Minister.

About the supporters, Khan said, “Grassroots activists were very cordial. If anyone had not been cordial their conscience will hurt them.”

“If my defeat unites the party, it will be my biggest consolation,” he said.