Awami League affiliated organizations are in for significant changes, owing to senior leaders of central committees in the said organizations being accused of involvement in criminal activities.
The Awami League high command has set council dates for four of its affiliated organizations-- Bangladesh Krishak League on November 2, Bangladesh Jatiya Sramik League on November 9, and Bangladesh Awami Swechasebak League on November 16, and Bangladesh Awami Jubo League’s council on November 23.
According to several Awami League senior leaders, councils of these affiliated bodies had not been formed, and most of the leaders of these organizations had engaged themselves in anti-organizational activities, such as tender grabbing, extortion, corruption, drug dealing, and gambling.
When contacted, one of the joint general secretaries of Awami League central working committee told the Dhaka Tribune that leaders, and activists of Awami League affiliated organizations have not worked according to party ideology but tried to use party posts to further their own agenda.
He said that after the drives against casino, and illegal gambling it was proved that leaders of affiliated bodies are associated with illegal activities.
Recently, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested four senior leaders of Jubo League for alleged involvement with casino business, while bank accounts of Jubo League Chairman Omar Farque Chowdhury, and Jubo League presidium member Nurunnabi Chowdhury Shawon were frozen, and bank statements were summoned.
Besides, names of leaders of other affiliated bodies came into light for their alleged involvement with corruption, tender grabbing, and extortion.
A former president of Awami League Jubo League told Dhaka Tribune that the image of the government was tarnished due these leaders’ criminal activities, and Awami League president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is determined to save these organizations from criminals.
He said the top brasses of affiliated organizations will be removed from their posts, and replaced with new management.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said, none of the corrupt, drug dealers, and associates of illegal casino businesses will be spared.
He said: “Crackdown against tender grabbers, drug dealers, extortionists, and gamblers will continue. These leaders, from grassroots to central committees, will be kicked out.”
When contacted, Awami League leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak said: “Seasoned and reputable leaders will get posts in the upcoming councils of Awami League’s affiliated bodies.”
