AL opts for status quo

Let's explain why we felt that the decision to reinstate both Mohammed Hanif and Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya as the president and general secretary of Dhaka city office, respectively, was wrong. There is no doubt that Mr. Hanif has been a complete failure as the Mayor of Dhaka City Corporation. In fact, his unpopularity among the voters in the capital is believed to be the reason behind Awami League's dismal performance in the seats of Dhaka area. On the other hand, Mr. Chowdhury, popularly known by nickname Maya, has been a disaster for the party all along. His alleged links with the underworld, the track record of misdeeds of his son -- all have been nothing but disastrous for the party's fortunes.

Therefore retaining both of them in the top rungs of leadership in the party's Dhaka office would further damage its reputation. All the recent rumours that the party had been making efforts to drive out those with bad reputation in order to make way for fresh blood turned out to be just that -- rumours. We think that the failure of AL to bring about a leadership change will not augur well for the party. Most importantly, it shows that however badly one performs, his or her future is safe as long as the 'leader' is happy. This is greatly demoralising for the sincere, honest and devoted workers that AL still has such a large number of.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source