Editorial
The self-corrective approach is hope-raising
Outcome must be visible and effective
THE likelihood of the ruling Awami League preparing a plan of action to keep its members, particularly its wayward and unruly young elements, in check is obviously good news. We certainly expect it to come to pass. When indeed measures are in place for the party leadership to keep a watchful eye on the activists of the Chhatra League and Jubo League, it will be an acknowledgment on the AL's part of the damage caused to its reputation by its very own. In these past many months, unceasing reports of Chhatra League and Jubo League men interfering with tender formalities and engaging in extortion have not only embarrassed the party and the government but have also led to growing concern about the state of democratic politics in the minds of citizens. The AL's move to curb the misplaced exuberance of its younger camp followers has come rather late in the day, nine months to be precise. Still, we take heart in the fact that it's coming to happen after all.
Earlier exhortations by the prime minister and other senior AL and government figures to the BCL and AJL about desisting from illegal and questionable activities simply fell on deaf ears. It is now clear that pious intentions and stern exhortations are not enough. Now that the ruling party plans to entrust its senior leaders with formal responsibility regarding the activities of the unruly young, a crucial point must be borne in mind that a concrete, well-defined action plan must be in place regarding any such activities. There must be a mechanism to allow the party to swiftly take and impose corrective measures against anyone who interferes with the business of government or does anything that militates against law and order. Merely formulating a plan and then not following it through will only result in a continuation of the wrongs so far committed. Of clear and present need is for action that must be visible and that must punish anyone guilty of tampering with tenders, indulging in extortion or engaging in any form of criminal activity. Besides, the party must also devise the means by which intended unlawful activities can be prevented before they can take place. Such preventive measures ought to be initiated at the level of the party hierarchy and carried through to all the lower tiers.
The party can discipline its followers; the laws of the state must ensure that these wayward elements are given the punishment they deserve so that they or others like them do not again feel tempted to make light of governance and social order. For the Awami League, it is important that such steps also be expanded to include other areas, including the campus in particular. A similar approach can be applied for those who, in the trade unions, semi-government and government organizations, take advantage of their links with the ruling party to play around with the law.
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