How do you feel after being elected deputy leader of the House?
On January 10, 1979, when I joined the Awami League , my former colleague in the National Awami Party (NAP) tried to stop me from joining by saying that I would face obstacles and sink into oblivion. At the time, I called Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, outgoing deputy leader of the House, and she gave me courage and confidence by supporting my decision. We were imprisoned together and have had lots of memories, and I will always remember Sajeda Apa's support. It has not been a smooth jourmey.
I remember the June 7, 1967, when I was arrested for participating in the strike to press home Bangabahndhu's six-point demand. On that day, I coincidentally met Bangabandhu in the reception of the jail gate and he gave me his blessings. He placed his hand on my head and told me not to be afraid, and I have not been afraid till now.
How did you get into politics?
I started student politics on my own decision. My father was a government police officer, and we had a two-storey building on the north road of Dhaka at that time. Time itself dragged me into politics. I chose the path of politics like other youths, students, and people of our time. I do not have any complaint before the Almighty, I think what I have is enough and as for what I did not get, I think I was not made for that. As the eldest child in our family, I have grown up with lots of responsibilities and I tried to act responsibly throughout my life. Considering all things, I did not feel much pressure.
How are your days going as the deputy leader of parliament?
Matia Chowdhury: I am the same person I was 15 days ago. I could recite from the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore and say, “save me from danger in not prayer, in face of danger may I not fear. To my pained heart, consolation you may not offer, instead sorrow may I be able to conquer,”. I think Man is the best creation of the Almighty, which needs to be proven through many challenges. I believe what is written for me, that will happen to me.
Dhaka TribuneWhat are your observations on the new central committee of the Awami League?
The committee seems good but some people may not be happy because the Awami League is a very big political party, and it is very hard to make everyone happy at the same time. Our party president, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has always formed committees considering everyone's expectations. There are lots of sub committees in the Awami League, and these central sub-committees are very effective and focused now. Those who have missed getting posts in the central committee will get posts in sub committees, hopefully.
In addition, now Bangladesh's population is more than 170 million. But our central committee's size has not expanded to double the earlier time, when the population was 70 million. But one thing I can firmly say is that our leader Sheikh Hasina will give space to those who want to work for our party.
Has the committee been formed with an eye on the next election?
An election is one of the indicators to evaluate the performance of leaders and support of the people, but the election is not the ultimate yardstick when there is democracy in the country. But no yardstick can operate without democracy. Even when there was no democracy in this country, the Awami League completed its conferences within due time.
What is your opinion on the significant change in the serial of joint general secretary posts of the Awami League?
Sheikh Hasina wants to give some time to the new leaders to prepare themselves. To achieve this, their positions have been rearranged. If you look at the joint general secretary posts, most of them have glorious political careers and their political training started from their student life. It is also true that there are lots of people who have been lost from the stage after having proper training. For example, how many DUCSU and prominent hall unit VPs and GSs are in mainstream politics now? Time, the political situation, and continuous dedication enrich leadership.
What is your observation on alliances before the next election?
We have always believed in political harmony and political communication with every political party. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rushed to the home of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia after hearing of the death of the younger son of Khaleda Zia. But what gesture have they shown? They did not even allow the prime minister to enter their house through the pocket gate!
In addition, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given much more time to opposition MPs in parliament sessions. Moreover, we have conducted some informal meetings with opposition MPs in the parliament lobby. The Awami League believes in democratic practices, which we learned from the political practices of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangabandhu gave immense space to late parliamentarian Suranjit Sengupta and gave space to him to rise as a well-known leader.
What are the challenges for the Awami League before the next election?
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fulfilled the electoral pledges she made before getting elected in 2008, and she has continuously been working for the betterment and improvement of the people of Bangladesh.
Our Prime Minister sometimes recites from the famous poem of Robert Frost: "The woods are lovely, dark and deep/But I have promises to keep/And miles to go before I sleep/And miles to go before I sleep”.
This journey is not very easy and it is full of obstacles, but we are not afraid. We will fulfil our promises. Our leader Sheikh Hasina has put the boat of light to sail in hope through the darkness, and we believe she will succeed in her goals and dream.
