Businessmen are currently dominating politics, what do you think of this trend?
The involvement of businessmen in politics began after the killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Ziaur Rahman created a haven for businessmen in politics, claiming he would make politics difficult for politicians by flooding it with money. After BNP’s move to recruit businessmen into politics, Awami League was forced to follow suit in order to save themselves. If we did not recruit businessmen, then an imbalance might have been created in our country’s politics. However, it is not good for politics if businesses dominate politics rather than politicians.Awami League has a lot of national leaders who started from Bangladesh Chhatra League, but now BCL leaders are involved in unscrupulous activities. Why do you think the scenario changed?
During the anti-Ershad movement in the nineties, the whole country united under the combative spirit of BCL. However, BCL has somehow lost that spirit. I can say without any hesitation that leaders of student politics in Bangladesh are now mere sycophants compared to the strong-spirited rebels they used to be. Student leaders just follow the instructions of main party leaders without question. This situation may change if BCL leaders follow the original ideology of the party, know the history of its struggle, and aim to become national leaders through BCL instead of simply making money or enjoying power.How can the Rohingya issue help Awami League in the next election?
The unprecedented exodus of Rohingya people from Myanmar is a huge burden for Bangladesh, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sheltered them. People all over the world have praised Bangladesh and especially Sheikh Hasina for sheltering the homeless people. Local people also praised Awami League. We hope that in the next election, the PM’s initiative to shelter and rehabilitate the Rohingya people will play a vital role and people will vote for boat.Awami League has good ties with China. Do you think that good relations between Bangladesh and China can hamper Bangladesh-India relations?
Bangladesh’s relationship with China will not hamper its relationship with India at all. Our main policy is friendship with all, enmity with none. We always remember India’s help during the Liberation War and consider India our best friend. Thousands of Indian Army soldiers fought for Bangladesh in 1971.
However, in this era of globalization, Bangladesh has to build ties with development associates for its own interest. If India thinks Bangladesh should not build relationships with any country other than India, their thinking is not right.How will Awami League tackle international pressure if BNP boycotts the election again or if the election is not participatory?
The development partners of Bangladesh want to see a participatory election with all political parties contesting. Awami League has always believed in participatory elections, and we also believe that the next election will be participatory and fair. However, we do not believe that in order to hold a participatory election, Khaleda Zia’s participation in next election is mandatory. There are 41 registered political parties in the country. It is true that BNP is a big political party, but they are not the only option for holding a participatory or
acceptable election. Neither BNP’s participation nor their boycott will make a difference, and Bangladesh’s development partners know that.BNP is alleging that AL is trying to break BNP up. Is this true?
Awami League has no intention to break BNP up. In fact, we want to see them participating in the next election in full strength. We do not know why they are accusing us of trying to split them up. Personally, I do not believe that Awami League leaders alone could split BNP.
The debate over the election-time government is a hot topic; say something about the formation of the election-time government.
Next election will be held as per the constitution, and an election-time government comprising of members of the present parliament will be formed. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be the chief of the caretaker government. The government will only do routine work and help the Election Commission to hold a free, fair, and participatory election. As far as I can tell, this election-time government will be small in size.
