AL issues warning, but still worried

The ruling Awami League (AL) has issued an directive asking the family members and relatives of the ministers and AL lawmakers not to contest in the upcoming upazila polls and take part in the election campaign.

The decision has been taken in a bid to ensure a competitive election with a good voter turnout in the upazila elections, which are going to start on May 8. But, the party is still worried about an influence-free voting environment.

From Thursday, the ruling Awami League started giving instructions to its party lawmakers, independent lawmakers and minister not to support any candidate.

At the directive of AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, party’s General Secretary Obaidul Quader has issued the directive.

AL organizing secretaries have already conveyed the message to the ministers and MPs, if anyone takes part in the polls ignoring the directive, organizational steps, including expulsion from the party, will be taken against him or her.

Following the direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, General Secretary Obaidul Quader held a meeting at the party president’s political office at Dhanmondi in the city on Thursday. 

In the meeting, Obaidul Quader instructed organizing secretaries, office secretaries and deputy office secretaries to make a list in this regard. 

Immediately, the Awami League general secretary informed the decision to Madaripur MP Shahjahan Khan and Noakhali MP EKramul Karim Chowdhury.

Earlier, to ensure a competitive election with a good voter turnout in the upcoming upazila elections across the country, the Awami League gave instructions to its party lawmakers and independent lawmakers not to support any candidate.

But it was seen that, in many places, Awami League MPs declared and supported their favourite candidates as party candidates. 
After observing this situation, many people fear that local influential leaders of the Awami League and local lawmakers can exert pressure on behalf of their supported candidates in these elections.

Some of the party insiders also think that the internal conflicts could turn into clashes or violence if influential leaders each try to create influence for their respective candidates.

To address this problem, Awami League senior leaders started to hold a series of meetings with their party lawmakers and district Awami League leaders at the central office.

Urging the party leaders, Obaidul Quader said, “Upazila elections will be held in four phases, so we have to behave responsibly. There are rules and regulations for the party. We will take actions against those who violate the party command.”