Form committees, hold councils
Failure to hold timely councils for many of the party's district units and complexities over announcing full-fledged committees even after holding councils, dominated the discussion at a meeting of Awami League secretaries yesterday, said sources.
One of the joint general secretaries of the party pointed out the issue at the meeting, presided over by AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, held at party president's Dhanmondi office.
The leader alleged that several districts had not conducted councils, while in others where councils were held, the formation of full-fledged committees faced delays for various reasons.
According to meeting sources, several factors, including infighting at the grassroots, conflicts over party positions, instances of nepotism, and the prevalence of loyalty towards specific leaders were identified as reasons for the stagnation in committee formations within the Awami League.
Several factors, including infighting at the grassroots, conflicts over party positions, instances of nepotism, and the prevalence of loyalty towards specific leaders were identified as reasons for the stagnation in committee formations within the Awami League.
The leaders recognised the importance of addressing these issues promptly, particularly in light of the upcoming national election.
Meanwhile, dissatisfaction was expressed by some leaders regarding the delay in forming district committees, as the party's charter mandates the formation of full committees within 45 days of holding councils in districts.
Meeting insiders revealed that out of the 26 district units discussed, nine districts had not conducted councils even though their committees' three-year tenure had already expired.
Additionally, in 17 other districts, councils had taken place around nine to 10 months ago, but full committees had not been formed yet.
The districts included Tangail, Madaripur, Munshiganj, Kishoreganj, Shariatpur, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Jamalpur, Netrakona, Mymensingh, Sherpur, Chittagong South, Cox's Bazar, Manikganj, Chuadanga, Barisal, Barguna, Moulvibazar, Narayanganj city, Gazipur, Chittagong, and Mymensingh city units.
Of particular concern were five districts under Dhaka division, where the committees' three-year tenure had expired seven to 10 years ago.
The last councils in Shariatpur and Kishoreganj were held in 2016, while Madaripur and Narayanganj city unit councils were held in 2013, and Munshiganj's council took place in 2014.
During the meeting, a leader proposed to the AL general secretary that the leaders of the districts facing these issues should be summoned immediately to resolve the problems.
Quader replied positively in response and assured that he would discuss the matter with the party supremo Sheikh Hasina.
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, acknowledged that the upcoming general elections pose a challenge for the ruling party.
"We want peaceful elections in the country, but a quarter led by the BNP wants to make the polls questionable. They want to use external power," he said.
Besides, the meeting also discussed the party's plans for a month-long programme to celebrate its 74th founding anniversary, which is scheduled to take place on June 23.
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