Photo : Collected
This time, the ruling party Awami League is confronted with a new challenge in the upazila elections. With no party symbol and no candidates being nominated centrally, divisions within the grassroots of the party have surfaced once again. Local leaders and activists express concerns that without direct nomination from the party, local Members of Parliament (MPs) and ministers will wield influence to push forward candidates of their preference. Consequently, this election is expected to widen the gap between local Awami League leaders and top public representatives.
Awami League leaders assert that the party's high command is actively working to bridge the gap. They emphasise the unity within the group in various contexts and situations. Additionally, Members of Parliament (MPs) affirm their commitment to abide by the party's decisions and refrain from acting independently.
It is well-documented that in the last parliamentary elections, Awami League opted to leave the field open for independent candidates alongside the nomination of party candidates. This strategic move was aimed at showcasing participatory elections, especially as the BNP, another major political party in the country, boycotted the elections. Party leaders also asserted that this strategy led to an increase in voter turnout.
However, despite the presence of party nominees, numerous independent candidates managed to secure victory. This outcome has intensified divisions within the grassroots of the party.
This time, the ruling Awami League has opted not to use the party symbol in the upcoming upazila elections as a strategic move to demonstrate participation. Additionally, the party is refraining from centrally nominating any candidates, allowing individuals from any background to contest. However, this approach has led to an apparent increase in divisions within the party, evident from the high command's efforts to address the situation.
In response, the party has initiated division-wise meetings since last week to bridge the gap between party leaders and workers regarding both the previous parliamentary election and the upcoming upazila election.
Despite the party's initiative, grassroots leaders and activists express skepticism about its effectiveness. They believe that it is natural for ministers and MPs to try to strengthen their own networks by promoting their preferred candidates. Similar sentiments were echoed by Awami League leaders and activists from various areas, including Jashore, Satkhira, and Bogura, all expressing concerns in unison.
Regarding this issue, Member of Parliament for Jashore-5 Manirampur Constituency, SM Yakub Ali, assured The Daily Messenger, "We will adhere strictly to the central guidelines." The party maintains that ministers, MPs, and others will not be able to influence the upazila elections. As party leaders, we are committed to this decision. The candidates who secure votes will be elected.
Azizul Islam, a Member of Parliament representing the Jashore-6 Keshavpur Constituency, emphasised to The Messenger that regardless of any factionalism or distances, everyone remains loyal to the Awami League. He asserted that there is no division within the Awami League, regardless of the circumstances within the country or the party.
Aminul Islam, the relief and social welfare affairs secretary of the Awami League, shared with The Daily Messenger that the Awami League is a large political party where some differences may exist, but there is no noticeable split or significant gap. He warned that any member attempting to act against the decisions of the High Command in the upazila elections will face consequences.
BM Mozammel Haque, the organising secretary of Awami League for Khulna division, disclosed that a meeting was convened on April 4 with parliamentarians and leaders from Khulna division. During the meeting, the party's directives and strategies for the upazila elections were discussed and conveyed.
Responding to a query, he acknowledged that the presence of multiple candidates can pose challenges for activists to some extent. He assured that the team has initiated discussions to address this issue and find solutions.
Messenger/Fameema
