Muhammad Ullah Habib said since Irene N. Tantiado, the group’s president left Saipan they haven’t met to discuss and come up with a unified position on certain issues.
Habib together with six other Bangladeshis visited the Variety yesterday and claimed that Syed didn’t consult the members of the group in issuing a statement to support the proposal of Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan for the 180-day delay in the implementation of the federalization law.
He also questioned Syed’s request to waive the green card application fees.
“How did he know that others have insufficient fund?” Habib asked. “He should not say anything using the name of the group without the consent of the members.”
Habib declined to disclose his position on the 180-day proposal but assured he will make known his stand if Syed and the group will call for a meeting.
Syed, in a separate interview, said Habib is not a member of the group but he acknowledges his concerns.
Before coming up with public statements, Syed said he consulted and discussed them with the group’s board chairman Ronnie Doka, adviser Manzurul Alam and other guest workers advocates.
Alam said he supports the 180-day extension to give the CNMI enough time to raise other concerns regarding the federalization law.
Syed said the group is also advocating on behalf of parents of U.S. children with disabilities, parents of U.S. military personnel and IRs of Freely Associated State citizens.
He said Habib and all other guest workers can express their ideas as long as they are for the welfare of the community.
Habib said he and his companions are “confused” and may decide to leave the movement.
According to Syed, Habib may be a member of the defunct Coalition of United Workers or of another workers group.
