Council in preparation for election
The Awami League Council that ended yesterday with much pomp and grandeur did not bring any dramatic facelift as far as the organogram of the party was concerned. The only significant change has been the replacement of Syed Ashraful Islam the former Secretary General of AL for two consecutive terms, with the Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader who has shown himself to be very active in terms of travelling all over the country and being in touch with the people and also implementing some of the major infrastructure projects. He has gained much popularity for his dramatic televised appearances at various public arenas and taking action against errant public employees. Thus his appointment will hopefully add dynamism and vigour to the party.
What has been rather disappointing is that despite promises to bring grassroots leaders to the forefront there has been little indication that any efforts were made to hear their voices. This was the perfect forum to get leaders who are working at the field level to gain more prominence so that they are empowered to do the job that their Party Chief has instructed them to do: eradicate poverty in the villages. The Prime Minister's directive to find those who are destitute and homeless and pull them out of extreme poverty is certainly laudable. But to do that she needs to make sure her grassroots leaders are strong and honest in their duties. How this will be ensured is not clear though it is a crucial element in ensuring implementation of pro-poor endeavours.
Although there has been hype over the induction of family members especially the Prime Minister's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy into important posts in the party, no such thing happened which indicates a growing maturity within the party.
Ultimately, the Council most definitely was mainly geared towards preparing party members for the next elections, garnering their unstinting support and motivating them to work at the grassroots to ensure an electoral victory.
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