Challenges from within
WHILE the BDR incident had been a real acid test for the Awami League led grand Alliance government in its first 100 days, some challenges from within the party rank and file have emerged sharply, and put it in a rather disadvantageous situation.
Most of the upazila chairpersons, who have vowed to wage a strong movement even against the government to get their demands fulfilled, belong to Bangladesh Awami League. Some constitutional and positional changes that have taken place during the tenure of this government have, reportedly, also been propelled by the ambitious party people.
Yes, the upazila issue seems to have heated up recently. While the upazila chairmen have also the option of taking recourse to legal procedure on the strength of Articles 58 and 59 of our Constitution, the LGRD minister has given a strong warning against the chairmen's threat of waging a movement.
Although the upazila system was introduced by a military ruler, its representative and developmental role is well appreciated. Admittedly, civil society organisations and academicians have been always crying out for decentralisation and strengthening of local governments.
It is unfortunate that the upazila level of local government, which has the makings of being a strong local government body, had not been put into operation only because of resistance from the elected lawmakers afraid of losing their supremacy in their respective constituencies.
It was expected that the Awami League led grand alliance would not scrap the changed upazila ordinance set in place by the Fakhruddin led caretaker government, providing the chairmen with some freedom to work; this has not been the case. In addition, the local government commission (LGC), too, became extinct as the government did not feel it necessary to ratify the related ordinance.
Although the number of upazila chairmen and vice-chairmen is not a matter for Awami League (AL) to be concerned about, the internal discord centering round this MP-upazila chairmen row might hit the harmony among local Awami League leaders and workers, badly affecting the solid party support required for smooth functioning of state affairs.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Chatra League (BCL) continues to vex Bangladesh Awami League. Reportedly, the leaders belonging to this front organisation of Awami League have not been subdued despite party leader Sheikh Hasina's relinquishing the responsibility of BCL. Other front organisations have also been adding to the woes of the Awami League.
Newspapers reports of extortions and internal feuds relating to BCL must have been a real pain in the neck for the Awami League led government. A newspaper report, published in the Daily Star recently, concerning people calling themselves BCL leaders and workers collecting tolls from food shops to tea stalls, is indicative of how things are being muddied by the miscreants.
Though the amount they are receiving is not handsome in comparison to the frauds that are committed by some leaders and bureaucrats, the fact that they are damaging the party's image is inexcusable. In fact, extortion has reportedly come back in full swing.
Meanwhile, the civil society people have expressed disappointment over the resignation of the Anti-corruption Commission Chairman Hasan Mashud Chowdhury, which, I think, did not do anything good for the party's image. Some have expressed the optimism that Hashan Mashud's absence would not affect the viability of ACC. However, our sordid past does not permit us to fall for this.
Moreover, the Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir led parliamentary committee's summoning of ACC officials, including the outgoing chairman, seems to be have been instigated by party insiders. Though the validity of the summons can be judged by the court if required, it has been a matter of argument because of the committee chairman's alleged personal grudge.
Controlling of the price-spiral and handling of the BDR issue are regarded as success stories of the Awami League led grand alliance government during its first hundred days. I believe, had some internal matters not disturbed Awami League, the start of the government could have been a flying one. The issues of discords have, however, not been resolved yet.
Statecraft is hardly a one-man show. Teamwork is crucial. I think the current government has found a superb captain in Sheikh Hasina, who needs to be supplemented and complemented by other members of the team. The sooner other team members find it easy to keep pace with her, the better will it be for the AL, the grand alliance and the government.
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