AL to face Opposition politically: Grassroot bodies to be activated, rallies at divisional HQs

Ruling Awami League (AL) would face the opposition politically. It would invigorate countrywide AL grassroot committees and other associate bodies to politically face the possible agitation programmes of the BNP-led opposition parties.

According to party insiders, AL would hold grand rallies at all divisional headquarters from the later half of this month highlighting Government’s successes in the last one and a half years of its office.

Simultaneously, the law enforcers, especially members of the intelligence agencies, have been asked to be cautious about the troublemakers across the country.

Sources said that Prime Minister and AL President Sheikh Hasina would exchange views with the grassroots to know the real picture of the masses, and their hopes and aspirations. She would also explain all possible ways in implementing her party’s election pledges.

Talking to The New Nation, acting Awami League General Secretary Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif said, “In the democracy, the opposition can do whatever they want within the limit. As in the past, the AL is ready to counter all kinds of street agitation politically.”

“As part of the countrywide programme, currently as many as 15 teams comprising leaders of AL Central committee are holding extended meetings at different districts. The countrywide political tour of AL started on March 18, this year. The visiting team-members have been asked to focus on the Government’s successes and different development works, make people aware of the deep-rooted conspiracies and propaganda by the BNP and its allies.”

On BNP’s demonstration and march towards the Election Commission office on Monday demanding cancellation of Bhola-3 by-poll results and resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two other commissioners, the AL Joint-Geenral Secretary reiterated that the election to Bhola-3 by-poll was held in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

Terming BNP’s allegation regarding the by-poll baseless and ill-motivated, he said, “This is only to create unrest across the country making it a political issue.”

Awami League Information and Research Secretary Advocate Afzal Hossain said, “There is nothing to be worried in this regard. Mass-people are with us. Our Government is trying to resolve all prevailing problems – including water-power-gas crises. The AL men and members of other likeminded political parties will highlight Government’s successes to draw the attention of the people.”

Asked about the opposition’s similar programmes, Afzal Hossain alleged that the opposition has been giving provocative speeches through different programmes but they would have to handle it politically with patience.

“Keeping the BNP’s programmes in mind, Awami League will launch a month long-programme throughout the country. The AL Central Working Committee will hold a meeting immediately after the party’s General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam returns home,” he said, adding that the meeting would finalise the next course of action.