AL Council promises more grassroots leaders
The excitement surrounding the AL's Council today and tomorrow underscores the anticipation of party members and the public, of a positive change in the party. The hope, backed by news reports, is that there will be greater emphasis on electing leaders who have closer links at the grassroots level. This means party members who are more in touch with the pulse of the people, will have a chance to show their leadership skills in spearheading development in the most backward and poorer parts of the country.
The Awami League is a party with a glorious past, having been at the forefront of all democratic movements in our country's history, the most significant being its role, under the leadership of Bangubandhu, in ushering in the birth of Bangladesh through the Liberation War. It has also shown its resilience in fighting formidable odds, starting with the gruesome assassination of Bangabandhu and most of his family members, being pushed into the sidelines by non-democratic regimes and even by democratic governments. Every time it has bounced back with renewed force and vigour.
The failure to curb corruption and control certain rogue elements of Chatra League for instance, have however, become sore points marring AL's glorious legacy. People have great expectations from this party because they still believe that AL stands for the values of our Liberation movement. These include democratic practices within the party, abhorrence of corruption, social injustice and freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution. It also means a ruling party that allows for a strong play of dissent and vibrant opposition. Without these basic prerequisites that define a truly functioning democracy, no party can continue to enjoy the support of the people.
We hope that this Council will bring in the changes that will give Awami League the impetus to live up to its illustrious past.
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