Photo: Collected
This time, the Awami League is stepping in to address the grassroots-level differences within the party. Particularly, efforts are being made to resolve the divisions that emerged during the last parliamentary and upazila elections. Following the conclusion of the recent upazila elections and Eid-ul-Azha, senior party leaders are actively engaging at the grassroots level. Central Awami League leaders will convene meetings with divisional, district, and even upazila-level leaders. Subsequently, the party has decided to take strict action against those who fail to adhere to the party's decisions.
Awami League leaders acknowledge that while some level of grouping, lobbying is expected in a large party, it can be highly detrimental if it escalates. Therefore, they are adopting a stringent stance to restore order within the party.
It has been reported that the Awami League made several decisions to ensure the 12th National Parliament election is free, impartial, and participatory. One of these decisions allowed for both independent candidates and party nominees to contest the election. This approach aimed to attract voters to the polls, especially as the main opposition party, BNP, chose not to participate. However, this strategy resulted in significant division at the grassroots level, as multiple candidates from the party competed against each other. Consequently, party workers were divided in their support, leading to widespread factionalism. As a result, in that election, 62 Awami League members were elected as independent MPs.
The four-phase upazila election began shortly after the National Parliament election. The first phase took place on May 8, followed by the second phase on May 21, and the third phase on May 29. The final phase is scheduled for June 5. In this election, the Awami League has again opted not to endorse specific candidates with the party symbol or official nominations. Similarly, the BNP has abstained from participating in the upazila polls, as they did in the National Assembly elections. Consequently, the contests have primarily been among Awami League candidates.
This intra-party competition has further exacerbated divisions within the party, as multiple Awami League candidates vied for the same positions. The recent three phases of the upazila elections have witnessed not only the spread of influence but also numerous incidents of violence. Analysing these events reveals that the factionalism stemming from the last parliamentary elections has continued to impact the party. In many cases, it has been observed that each Member of Parliament has backed their preferred candidates, further entrenching divisions and contributing to the tension and conflict within the party ranks.
Conversely, candidates who lost in the last parliamentary elections have also fielded their preferred candidates in the upazila elections. Each faction aims to elect their chosen candidate to strengthen their influence within their constituency. Consequently, extreme factional lobbying has emerged at the grassroots level of the Awami League during the upazila elections, leading to increased chaos and concern among the party's high command.
Multiple Awami League sources indicate that after the final phase of the upazila elections concludes on June 5, senior leaders plan to intervene as instructed by the party's top leadership. This issue has been extensively discussed in the last two working committee meetings of the party, highlighting the detrimental effects of the internal chaos. During these discussions, potential actions to address the situation were considered.
It has been decided that a meeting will be held with leaders at the division, district, and upazila levels either before or after the upcoming Eid. During these meetings, an ultimatum will be given to those causing disruptions. If the troublemakers do not comply, the Awami League will take stringent actions against them.
In this regard, Awami League's Organising Secretary Advocate Afzal Hossain told The Daily Messenger that there are more or less problems in big parties. However, there is no scope for exemption if someone continues to cause disorder. The party will take a tough stance on troublemakers after the upazila polls.
Messenger/Fameema
