People silent as we're in power

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader during a meeting in the city yesterday warned his party men not to indulge in abuse of power and misbehave with the people.

“Now you are in power. So, the people are silent. But they will punish you in ballots during the election,” he said referring to the AL leaders who distanced themselves from their voters. 

“Two incidents of bad behaviour can overshadow 10 brightest achievements. People will remember the bad behaviour.”

A leader has to be in touch with the pulse of the people;  love of the people is the most valuable treasure for a politician, said Obaidul while addressing an AL rally of Rajshahi division.

He said, “People told me even Sheikh Hasina is available on the phone, but her leaders in the districts are unreachable. Being a secretary of the party, how will I work if I find our leaders unavailable...?”  

Criticising leaders, lawmakers and ministers from the division, Obaidul, also road transport and bridges minister, said, “We don't want godfathers in the party. We want popular leaders in districts, upazilas, unions and wards.”

Obaidul asked the AL leaders to rectify their shortcomings before the general elections to be held within December next year and advised them to be watchful so that their reputation is not tarnished by misdeeds of their subordinates, close affiliates or relatives. “You'll be detached from people and lose in the elections if you allow the people surrounding you engage in misdeeds.” Urging the need for engaging dedicated leaders in committees of different units of the party, he said, “I noticed many dedicated leaders have been deprived of political posts. Do not form any pocket committee, choose dedicated leaders and assign them in political activities.”

Obaidul also asked AL activists not to act as protectors of their leaders' ill motives.215489