Minister files defamation case of Tk100cr against defeated rival
Staff Correspondent
Housing and Public Works Minister RAM Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury has filed a defamation case of Tk 100 crore against his defeated rival in January 7 election.
Muktadir lodged the case on Friday, just a day after being sworn in as the minister, against local Awami League leader Ferozur Rahman.
Abdul Jabbar Mamun, lawyer of the minister, said a hearing for the case is scheduled for Sunday (January 14) after the case was lodged in the Court of Brahmanbaria Joint District Judge Nazrul Islam.
Awami League candidate Muktadir secured victory in the Brahmanbaria-3 (Sadar and Bijaynagar) seat, receiving 1,58,872 votes. In contrast, independent candidate Ferozur Rahman, who resigned from his post as Brahmanbaria Sadar Upazila chairman to contest the election, garnered 64,037 votes with the 'scissor' symbol.
Lawyer Abdul Jabbar Mamun said, "During the election campaign on 26 December, Ferozur Rahman claimed he had helped Muktadir with Tk 50,000 some 30-35 years ago and had also donated money to the University of Brahmanbaria, of which Muktadir is the chairman of the board of trustees."
He added, "Muktadir Chowdhury did not know Ferozur Rahman 30 years ago, and there is no question of receiving money from him."
"A legal notice was sent to Ferozur Rahman, asking him to retract his statement and apologise to Muktadir unconditionally. However, as he did not respond, a defamation case was filed against him in court," Mamun mentioned.
