Banking Sector Mess: AL allies 'slam the way govt dealing with it'

Leaders of some partners of the ruling Awami League-led 14-party alliance have expressed disappointment over the government's failure to check the soaring prices of daily essentials and the unrest in the banking sector.

In a 14-party meeting at AL President Sheikh Hasina's Dhanmondi office yesterday, the leaders said the banking sector was not in a good state and the government has weaknesses in dealing with it.

They stressed the need for taking effective initiatives to bring discipline to the sector, and urged the government to take immediate measures to check the increasing prices of goods.

The leaders expressed the frustration at a time when corruption, irregularities and mismanagement have become a regular phenomenon in the banking sector amid an embarrassing lack of proper .

Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, also the social welfare minister; Samyabadi Dal General Secretary Dilip Barua, also a former industries minister; Jatiya Party Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam and Communist Kendro leader Wazedul Islam Khan spoke at the meeting, said its sources.

The meeting also talked about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's address to the nation on January 12, on completion of the fourth year of the tenure of the government, and the mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation by-polls.

Menon told the meeting that his party supported the PM's speech but suggested the government not to have any self-satisfaction. He also criticised the government for its weakness in dealing with the banking sector.

He said the government also has showed weaknesses in controlling the prices of daily essentials. He said the government should take the issues seriously.

Sheikh Shahidul Islam said the government "failed" to check the soaring prices of goods, including rice and onion. He also said the matter might have a negative impact on the next national polls, said meeting insiders.

Echoing the views of Menon, Dilip Barua said the condition of the banking sector was not "good enough". He urged the government to bring discipline to the sector.

Taking to The Daily Star after the meeting, Barua said they alerted the government about the banking sector and the price hike issues.

Some leaders also warned the government about the BNP's street agitation in coming days, targeting the next parliamentary polls. They also suggested that the ruling party should remain watchful about it. They said the AL should make preparations to face the opposition's movement with an iron hand, said sources.

While briefing reporters, 14-party spokesperson Mohammed Nasim said the meeting decided to extend all-out support to the mayoral aspirant, who will get the AL ticket for the DNCC by-polls scheduled for February 26.

“The Awami League-led 14-party alliance will select a lone candidate in the mayoral by-polls and we all will work together for ensuring his victory,” Nasim, also the health minister, said.

Responding to a query about the possibility of holding any talks with the BNP, he said, “There is no question of holding talks with them [BNP].”

"The next general election will be held according to the constitution and the BNP will not go out of the constitution," Nasim said, adding that the Awami League-led alliance was prepared to face any plot, if hatched, ahead of the elections.

Terming the BNP's demand for dissolution of parliament before the national election unconstitutional, Nasim said the present government will be in power during the polls.