Awami League getting strict with its own

The ruling party has recently has taken steps against a number of central leaders for their “disruptive and illegal activities”, and the party regulators have decided not to take responsibility for its members’ personal opinions and actions, party insiders told the Bangla Tribune. The decision to have firmer control over party members came after they were accused of being involved – or found to be involved – in criminal activities that put the party in an embarrassing situation on several occasions. Sabbir Ahmed, general secretary of the Dhaka South unit of Chhatra League, the student affiliate, was expelled after he was seen toting a gun and shooting in broad daylight during a city eviction drive in Gulistan, Dhaka. A case was promptly filed against him as well. Meanwhile, three leaders of the local Awami League wing in Brahmanbaria’s Nasirnagar upazila were also expelled after they were found to have been involved in the vicious attack on the local Hindu community. Obaidul Quader, the newly elected general secretary, has said on several occasions that anyone compromising the party’s reputation will be dealt with accordingly. Senior leaders have said leaders and activist at all levels of the party would be informed of this new stance and would be instructed to maintain party reputation at all costs. Sources said Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is unhappy about Nasirnagar attack and local MP Obaidul Moktadir Chowdhury’s part in it. During a meeting of the party’s central committee on Wednesday, she said the situation in Nasirnagar spiralled out of control because of a conflict between Obaidul and Fisheries Minister Sayedul Haque, which was unacceptable. “I made him district president of the party. I put him in the central committee? Why is he behaving like this, then? I will take him out of the committee?” she told other leaders, according to the insiders. Sources said the upper echelon of the party is focused on maintaining the party’s image ahead of the next general elections, which is why the leaders are adamant about establishing discipline within the party and its affiliates. Awami League Presidium Member Kazi Zafarullah said: “Awami League is committed to upholding discipline in the party. Anyone who causes harm to that, or undermines the achievements of the government, will be punished accordingly.” Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif reiterated Zafarullah’s stance. “Awami League is the people’s party. It will never support those who are in the wrong – no matter which party they belong to. No one who is guilty will be spared,” he said.