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Download PDF The Awami League (AL) braces itself for a leadership crisis again after 26 years as the party’s deeply divided big guns vie to establish supremacy in absence of Sheikh Hasina, now detained on extortion charges.
In almost similar circumstances, Hasina was first elected president of the AL in absentia. She returned home ending years of exile in 1981 and took command of the party that was in a mess due to infighting over its control.
Since then, the AL had weathered many crises. But this time the leaders and workers find themselves faced with a whole new ball game both in and outside the organisation. They seem uncertain if they would be able to come through the difficult situation like they did oftentimes in over two decades under the leadership of Hasina.
The wrangling among the senior leaders over reforms in the party leaves it to a vulnerable position.
Apparently uplifted by the arrest, the so-called star group led by presidium member Amir Hossain Amu plans to push harder for a greater sway. On the other hand, the pro-Hasina leaders and workers are resolved to keep the party united while trying to have their leader free, said an AL insider.
Besides, there are some mid-level leaders who want reforms but are against the star group’s taking control of the party.
None of the pro-reform camp has protested at Hasina’s arrest. They even opted not to take part in an informal meeting called by acting AL president Zillur Rahman to discuss what to do in response to the developments.
AL Presidium Member Abdur Razzak, one of those campaigning for reforms, has publicly questioned Hasina’s decision to assign Zillur Rahman to deputise for her. He also blamed “the likes” of his fellow presidium member Motia Chowdhury for the AL president’s being in detention.
Of the senior leaders, only Motia along with some others yesterday visited Zillur’s residence and discussed with him what should be their next course of action.
Things following the high-profile detention do not augur well for the party. They indicate that the country’s largest political organisation might face a split if its chief is kept away for a long time. A potential break-up will naturally have implications for its front organisations too as both the groups have their followers in those.
The pro-reform group led by Amir Hossain Amu, Abdur Razzak, Tofail Ahmed and Suranjit Sengupta has been working towards intra-party reforms with the blessing of the authorities, said a mid-level leader seeking anonymity.
Political observers believe it will be much easier for them to bring about the changes they want in absence of Hasina. It would be an uphill task for them to carry out radical reforms in the AL while she’s around.
A number of senior leaders including the general secretary who once were known to be close to Hasina have been detained.
Against this backdrop, acting president Zillur yesterday urged all leaders, workers and supporters to remain united and not to do anything at whim.
“Please be patient. You will have to unite to forge a movement in future,” he added.
Hasina was under house arrest on many occasions during the movement against military rule and each time the AL leaders and workers took to streets agitating for her release.
But now when she is in jail for the first time on a specific criminal charge, the leaders and workers are not sure what to do.
Hasina sought to step down as the party chief following the 1991 election debacle, but was forced to backtrack in the face of a huge pressure from leaders and workers at all levels.
This time she faces the possibility of being disqualified from contesting the next parliamentary election. The AL will have to do without her in the election next year if she ends up being convicted under the emergency rules.
July 19th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNE MOMENT!
Bangladesh Needs honest & patriotic leaders from
Well settled Back grounds.
There are many Highly Educated people who must come forward to work not only for AL but for the
people of Bangladesh with sincere collaboration with all other political Parties!
No more Killings, no more destruction, No more Exremist attack.No more Corruption, No more power politics.No more agitation, Strike, No More Money
bribing to incite Villagers ,burnings ,lootings, Hijackings, Car jackings!
We want to see:
The Old Loving, Sincere, Honest Bangladesh!
Smile & helping hands every where.
To Love & LIVE!
Thank you!