AL to 'embarrass' Khaleda

In efforts to portray the opposition camp in a negative light, the ruling Awami League plans to highlight in its city elections campaign the recent violence and killing during the BNP-led alliance's street agitation.

While AL-supported mayor and councillor candidates would gain political millage from this, it would also work as a counter to BNP chief Khaleda Zia's electioneering for her party contenders, AL insiders said.

Khaleda is likely to formally introduce party-backed mayor and councillor aspirants tomorrow at a programme in the capital's Institution of Engineers.

The AL thinks the BNP chief's presence in the campaign trail will draw huge public support for the opposition camp. That is why the ruling party intends to put her in an “embarrassing” situation.

"A burn victim may raise voice during her [Khaleda's] campaign. Or leaflets containing pictures of violence and killing during the blockade may be distributed at the campaign venues," said an AL central committee member.

The AL's publicity wing has already made a short film depicting “BNP-Jamaat's anarchy” during the blockade and the party would show it in all the wards of the capital.

"We have provided [our] MPs with CDs about BNP's negative politics and directed them to show the footage to people in every ward," Hasan Mahmud, AL publicity affairs secretary, told The Daily Star yesterday.

Meanwhile, speaking at a programme at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday, Hasan said, "After all these killings, people will not tolerate Khaleda asking their votes. They will rather confine her.”

After almost two years, the BNP chairperson will visit the party's Nayapaltan headquarters to attend a function on Pahela Baishakh around 4:00pm, said Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of her press wing.

The former PM may launch a campaign for her party candidates through the programme.

Being the prime minister, AL chief Sheikh Hasina cannot take part in campaign, but she will counter Khaleda during her official programmes, AL leaders said.

Party leaders, who are not ministers, will also campaign.

In addition, the AL would use social media to woo young voters.

"We will try our best to persuade young voters using technology and social media," said AL Organising Secretary Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury.

Besides, the party will engage eminent personalities from all sectors in its campaign.