AL going alone, allies not happy

The ruling Awami League's decision to contest the municipality elections independently has aggrieved its partners.

Leaders of the components of the AL-led 14-party coalition fear that the AL's “go alone” strategy will eventually pit candidates of different allied parties against each other, shrinking their chance to win the battle of ballots.

Following the AL decision, the alliance members are taking preparation to contest the polls independently. Without the AL's blessings, they think it would be tough for them to come out successful, sources said.

Some of the alliance partners also think that the AL's decision is nothing but a strategy to show its popularity through the polls to be held on party lines for the first time.

However, some AL leaders are of the opinion that municipality polls will be an opportunity for their partners to strengthen their organisations at the grassroots level.

The ruling party on Thursday decided to contest the elections independently, while its archrival BNP would field candidates under the 20-party banner in all 236 municipalities that will go to polls on December 30.

Sources said Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon had already communicated with 14-party coordinator Mohammad Nasim and appealed for jointly participating in the polls. Nasim assured him that he would consult with AL President Sheikh Hasina.

The AL contested the last two parliamentary elections under the banner of 14-party coalition.

Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, Menon said it would be good for the alliance to participate the polls jointly. “As the Awami League has decided to contest the polls without us, we too will participate in the polls independently.”

Workers Party presidium member Anisur Rahman Mallik said, “The Awami League should have taken its decision after consulting with alliance partners, as we still are part of the combine.”

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal General Secretary Sharif Nurul Ambia said they were not surprised at the AL's decision as the party took such unilateral decisions before as well.

“Under the current critical situation of the country, we all should stay united. As the Awami League has already taken its decision, we have nothing to say.”

He added that the JSD had already sent directives to its district units to take preparation for taking part in the polls independently.

Gonotantri Party Presidium Member Nurur Rahman Selim said the AL had taken the decision to show people how popular it is.

“Following its decision, candidates from within the alliance will now become the party's opponent in the election.”

Selim expressed hope that the AL would reconsider its decision.

“It would be better if we all participate in the polls under the 14-party banner,” National Awami Party General Secretary Enamul Huq told The Daily Star.

AL presidium member Nuh-Ul-Alam Lenin said the party never participated               in any local government polls with its allies and, therefore, it decided to                contest the polls independently this time as well.

“As this election is not to form government or to run the country, every political party should independently contest the election,” he added.

Contacted, AL Organising Secretary Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said local government election is an opportunity for a political party to reorganise the party and strengthen its structure.