Photo : Collected
Since the beginning of June, following the ongoing upazila elections, the Awami League has been focusing on strengthening the party's organisational activities. After the last parliamentary elections, divisions reemerged within the party at the grassroots level concerning the upazila elections. This issue also affected the party's organs and affiliated organisations. To address this situation, Awami League leaders are actively engaging in the field to unify and consolidate the party.
Leaders acknowledge that it is normal for big parties to experience some level of internal conflict. However, without discipline, the entire party suffers. Therefore, the party will take a strong stand to address these issues. The Awami League, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is in power for the fourth consecutive term. After being in power for an extended period, internal lobbying and factionalism have intensified within the party. This issue also affects the party's organs and affiliated organisations, where similar divisions exist among leaders of non-conformist groups. Particularly before the 12th National Assembly elections, the party experienced various divisions. Although the Awami League nominated party members for these elections, there were no restrictions on independent candidates from within the party. The party even encouraged independent candidates to run to ensure a participatory election, as the BNP boycotted the alliance election. This led to a significant divide between party-nominated candidates and independent candidates across the country. Consequently, 62 independent members of parliament were elected nationwide.
Following the parliamentary elections, the upazila elections are currently underway. The first phase of the four-phase election has already been completed, with the final phase scheduled for June 5. In this election, the ruling Awami League decided to open candidacy to all and not use the party symbol. To ensure a fair election, Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered that family members and relatives of party ministers and MPs be prevented from participating. Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has also announced that action will be taken against anyone who attempts to influence the election by disobeying the party's instructions. Despite these directives from the highest levels of the party, several media reports have indicated that government ministers are attempting to exert influence over MPs in the elections. The party is considering taking organisational measures against those who disregard the Prime Minister's directive.
Several leaders of the party have confirmed to The Daily Messenger that the matter was extensively discussed at the party's working committee meeting on April 30. It is understood that the party's reorganisation process was put on hold during the upazila election period. Immediately after the conclusion of the upazila polls, the reorganisation of the party and its affiliated organisations will resume. Additionally, the Awami League will prioritise organisational activities. The party's high command will take the initiative to address the long-standing factionalism within the party. Senior leaders of the party will travel across the country in this regard. If anyone continues to defy discipline, the party will take appropriate action against them.
In this context, Awami League's Relief and Social Affairs Secretary Aminul Islam informed The Daily Messenger that the party will adopt a strict stance against those who fail to adhere to the party's directives. Immediately following the upazila elections, the Awami League will prioritise organisational work. Alongside restoring internal discipline within the party, all necessary measures will be taken to accelerate organisational activities.
Awami League Organising Secretary for Khulna Division, BM Mozammel Haque, conveyed to The Daily Messenger that during the last working committee meeting of the party, it was decided to take action against individuals engaged in activities contrary to party discipline. While some level of internal lobbying is not uncommon in large parties, the Awami League is characterised by unity among all leaders and activists on national issues. He emphasised that following the conclusion of the elections, leaders will return to the grassroots to strengthen the party.
Messenger/Fameema
