Mohiuddin devotes time to reorganising party in Ctg Plans to meet Hasina before July 9

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=145183

By AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
After the recent electoral debacle, former mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury has apparently become more active in politics, devoting his time to reorganising the party here to face future political challenges.
Mohiuddin, also Chittagong city Awami League president, does not want to waste time by meditating over the past and on what happened in the last mayoral elections but wishes to continue his task for the economic development of the port city.
The AL leader, who has been credited with many successful movements and development works in Chittagong over the last 17 years, still believes that Chittagong seaport is the key to country's development.
And this is the area where he wants to lend “peaceful support” in implementing government's plan.
“I believe country's overall development depends on Chittagong and at the same time Chittagong's development largely depends on its seaport.
So, we must specially think of its (port) modernisation, infrastructure development and boosting efficiency to make it globally competitive,” Mohiuddin said in an interview with UNB at his Chashma Hill residence on Thursday.
The former mayor believes Bangladesh will turn into a business hub with enormous potential for trade and commerce if the deep seaport project is implemented and transit facilities to neighbouring countries are ensured.
“Chittagong can be a modern city like Singapore and tourism sector will flourish here (Chittagong) if port's development is ensured,” he said.
When asked about the future leadership of Chittagong city Awami League, he said, “I'm not a big leader. My leader is Sheikh Hasina. I can't say or do anything disregarding her directives.”
A faction of city AL is reportedly planning to keep Mohiuddin out of party leadership in Chittagong and the rivals are taking preparation to discuss it with party high-ups so that a new committee can be formed excluding Mohiuddin. Asked about his reaction, he said, “It's up to them.”
Replying to a question, the AL leader said he did not talk to party President Sheikh Hasina after the CCC election debacle.
“I am planning to meet her (Hasina) within next few days, hopefully before July 9,” said Mohiuddin who will fly for Saudi Arabia on July 9 to perform umrah.
Mohiuddin declined to comment on the reasons of his unexpected defeat in the recently held mayoral elections. He merely said, “People know what I did for the development of Chittagong. Ask them and compare present Chittagong with what it was previously (17 years ago).”
He even did not want to talk about new mayor M Manzur Alam Manzu.
Replying to a question, he said the arrest of the Jamaat trio was a right decision.
The anti-liberation forces will not dare to revive their destructive activities if the trial of war criminals is held.
“I've been on streets against the war criminals; I'll always remain vocal against them,” he said.
Asked about his role in facing the anti-government movement launched by the opposition, Mohiuddin said he would remain vocal against any anti-state movement.