AL plans big to counter BNP programmes

The ruling Awami League will hold grand rallies at all divisional headquarters to counter BNP's opposition and draw people's attention to the government's success.
Prime Minister and AL President Sheikh Hasina will also exchange views with the grassroots after April 14 to learn about people's hope and aspirations, party men said.
AL presidium member Obaidul Quader said, "Like other years, we will hold the rallies to let people know about the government's short-, mid- and long-term plans to fulfil our electoral pledges and the challenges the government will face in implementing the plans".
The ruling party has come up with the decision after the main opposition BNP started holding grand rallies in divisional headquarters aiming to mobilise people against the government for its failure to tackle crises including power, water and gas across the country.
At the rally in Chittagong, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia asked her party men to get ready for a movement to oust the government as it failed to rule the country properly.
She will also address another six rallies in other divisional headquarters, sources said.
AL leader Quader said they will organise the grand rallies after the premier's meeting with the grassroots.
The AL chief at the meeting will explain as to how the government is implementing its plans to fulfil the electoral pledges.
Asked about the opposition's similar programmes, the ruling party lawmakers alleged that the opposition has been giving provocative speeches through the programmes, and they will have to handle it politically with patience.
Talking to The Daily Star, AL Organising Secretary Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said they have a plan to hold the grand rallies soon after their current organisational tour programmes.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina may address those grand rallies and counter Khaleda's speeches, sources said.
Currently the ruling party central leaders in 15 teams are holding extended meetings at different districts of the country focusing on the government's success and making people aware of the conspiracies and propaganda by the BNP-led opposition against the government in the wake of its move to try war criminals.