Wahidul Islam and Abu Jakir :
In an attempt first to repair and then to wax its political and democratic image, the ruling Awami League (AL) has initiated a series of reforms, including cleansing its electoral practices and adhering to stricter ethical standards.
However, this move has ignited internal discord within the party, particularly at the grassroots level, as lower-tier leaders find their political aspirations thwarted by newfound restrictions.
During the 12th national election, the AL leadership espoused a liberal approach, urging party workers to secure victory for party-nominated candidates by any means necessary. Yet, as the 1st phase of Upazila elections approaches, scheduled for May 8, the top echelons of the AL have pivoted towards imposing stringent rules and ethics, leaving the grassroots leaders feeling marginalised.
In an interview with this correspondent, Abu Sufian Shafique, a grassroots leader and candidate for the Upazila Parishad elections, expressed his views, “During the 12th parliamentary elections, our party leadership urged us to spare no effort in securing victory for the party-nominated MP candidates, using any means necessary. However, when it comes to our own elections, the top brass imposes a stringent set of rules and ethics.”
He also said the party high-ups should nominate party candidates and hold the local body elections under partisan manner in a bid to mitigate intra-party conflicts and maintain discipline at the grassroots level. Failure to address these internal tensions, he warned, could jeopardize the unity of the party in the future.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader reinforced the party’s directives, warning MPs and ministers against interference in the Upazila polls. Quader emphasized the party’s commitment to electoral integrity and pledged organizational and administrative action against violators.
Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, a local government election expert, interpreted the AL’s reform efforts as an attempt to cleanse its tainted electoral history, particularly in light of the controversial January 7 elections.
“As there’s no risk of losing state power in the local body elections, the ruling Awami League aims to conduct the polls transparently, ensuring that no doubts arise, especially following the controversial January 7 elections,” he stated.
However, despite the AL’s efforts, concerns loom over the upcoming Upazila Parishad elections due to internal discord within the party. The failure to enforce party directives has exacerbated tensions, leading to a scenario where AL members find themselves in internal strife.
The boycott declared by the main opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), further complicates the electoral landscape, turning it into a battleground of AL versus AL.
In a recent directive to grassroots leaders, Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina emphasised on Thursday that ministers and members of her party in parliament (MPs) must refrain from exerting influence on the upcoming upazila polls. She called for all to ensure free and fair elections, warning stern consequences for any defiance of this order.
As per the electoral code of conduct for the upcoming upazila parishad polls, MPs and ministers are prohibited from engaging in any publicity campaigns to endorse specific candidates.
However, in reality, MPs and ministers often wield influence over local government elections through various means. Concerns persist among District Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) regarding potential interference, particularly as relatives of several MPs and ministers are contesting the polls.
While there may be no officially nominated candidates by the party, many upazilas witness candidates backed by local MPs. Despite these violations of the electoral code of conduct, taking action against them remains challenging.
