AL council session
AL completed its national council session through re-electing Sheikh Hasina as its party president and electing Syed Ashraful Islam as general secretary. While it was clear beforehand that Sheikh Hasina would be re-elected, Syed Ashraful Islam got the edge over Obaidul Quader because of his invaluable contribution to the party after 1/11 political changeover.
However, there appears to have been some controversy over the method of election (by a simple voice vote or show of hands). The grassroots level leaders felt somewhat ignored. With the issue of strengthening local government still not settled such a development needs immediate and serious attention of the high command of AL.
The AL national council empowered the newly elected president and the general secretary to choose leaders for 45 posts in the 73-member ALCWC. The 45 posts include the 13-member party presidium, and 31 departmental secretaries. Furthermore, the council delegated the power to incorporate any further change (if necessary) in the party's declaration and constitution to the president.
As per Article 21 of the AL constitution, the president, presidium members, general secretary, departmental secretaries and the treasurer must be elected by the triennial council. So far, nobody has filed any application for candidacy. Instead, a proposal has been made to empower the newly elected president and general secretary to choose the leaders for the rest of the posts. It appears to be a good proposal in view of the time constraint and some controversy over "reformists."
The amended constitution and declaration were ratified, and the budget for the next three years was approved in the meeting. In such meetings there can hardly be a consensus. There may be diverse opinions. It is clear that AL will have to face a number of challenges in the near future. Among them are internal dissensions, student politics, distribution of power between MPs and local government representatives, and attaining vision 2021.
In the current situation none appears to be more suitable then Sheikh Hasina to hold the post of president. Syed Ashraful Islam's capacity has already been reflected well in his handling the highly critical situation after 1/11. Thus, the choice for both the posts appears to be fair.
The newly elected general secretary has rightly advised his party men that there is not much scope for complacency for the AL. They will have to move forward carefully and vigorously. The AL must understand that the nation expects much from it, as the party is the only truly democratic party and the only hope for democracy in future. Thus, it must not spare any pains to concentrate on the welfare of the people who brought it to power.
The senior leaders of AL must encourage the upcoming young leaders instead of finding their faults. The young and inexperienced may commit mistakes and omissions. The senior leaders must try to rectify them. Sheikh Hasina has correctly diagnosed that one of the main reasons for the debacle in the 2001 election was the frustration of young and youngish leaders at being ignored. In the 2008 election these leaders played a wonderful role in bringing AL to regain power. If these leaders are not encouraged AL may suffer seriously for lack of appropriate leaders to strengthen democracy in future.
Sheikh Hasina has remained the symbol of unity of the party since 1981 and, as the prime minister, she has to take the initiative to mellow down the differences with the opposition. The number of seats of the opposition in the parliament must not prompt her to behave like a dictator. She should admonish her colleagues to be more prudent in their words and deeds.
She must not ignore the importance of the opposition. In all major issues she must make sincere and serious effort to bring them near. The gesture of the leader of the opposition to send a three-member team to the council meeting should be appreciated.
We hope that the AL will do well under the leadership and guidance of Sheikh Hasina in future, and whatever dissatisfactions and frustrations exist will be wiped out soon.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments