Gazipur win heralds future victory for AL

Ruling Awami League President Sheikh Hasina said the wins of Awami League candidates in the recently concluded Gazipur City Corporation election is showing the path for the party's victory in polls.

"The election results are showing the path for our win and taking us to victory," she said, highlighting the importance of the recent elections in Gazipur and Khulna when newly elected mayor of GCC Jahangir Alam along with new councillors met her at the Gono Bhaban, reports UNB.

Congratulating the newly elected mayor and councillors, Hasina said it was the unity that acted as the key factor behind the Awami League's victory. This has been possible as all the party followers were united there, she added.

Hasina, also the Awami League president, said her party won the Khulna city polls as all the party workers were united overcoming their differences and grievances.

"Whenever Awami League was united, it could overcome all the barriers. This victory has proved that when Awami League is determined, it gets victory," the AL chief said.

Hasina, at the special extended meeting of her party at the Gono Bhaban later, asked her party grassroots leaders and activists to remain united to achieve victory in the national election slated for December.

She also assured them that party nominations would be given based on grassroots' recommendations.

The extended meeting was participated by grassroots leaders of the party from Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barisal. The first phase of the meeting was held on June 23 and the next phase would be on July 7.

In her address, Hasina cautioned nomination seekers about conflicts and propaganda against one another. She also asked party men to work together to ensure victory for Boat, electoral symbol of AL.

Sounding a warning, the AL chief said she does not want to see any intra-party feud and asked them to resolve all disputes as soon as possible.

She also sought cooperation from her party's grassroots leaders and activists in carrying out the government's ongoing drive against drugs.

"Now the drive continues against drugs ... I want your cooperation against ... You together with all will conduct drives against drugs and convince all (against drugs) as you were united against militancy," Hasina said.

The government has been able to curb militancy, she said, adding that this has been possible due to the public awareness created against the menace by coordinated efforts of the grassroots people, including guardians, teachers, Imams and religious leaders, and the administration, and the law enforcement agencies.

The AL chief also asked her party-men to publicise the government's development activities and successes among people so that they could vote for Boat.

After Hasina's formal address, there was a closed-door meeting with the grassroots where nine grassroots leaders spoke.

General Secretary Hemanta Talukder of Mohanpur union AL under Sunamganj described party infightings and said the grassroots should unit for party candidates nominated by Hasina.

“The main enemy of Awami League is within the Awami League,” as source quoted him as saying.