Wind of change in AL leadership is welcome
With the exit of some old guards from the party's top policymaking body, the Presidium, and the induction of some new faces, it can be said that a wind of change has started to blow within the Awami League. Though some political observers are wont to term the change as something predictable, one cannot also deny the fact that the party rank and file had long been pressing for a change in its leadership. Their longing for a change in the leadership got more passionate in the wake of the party's massive victory in the last parliamentary elections. For the success is attributed by many to the slogan for a 'change.' So, the entry of some six new faces, many of whom are relatively younger, certainly marks a significant and welcome change in the party.
Apart from the expectations of the party rank and file, time also demands a change in the old order of things. Why should a political party like Awami League be otherwise, particularly when a generational shift has taken place among the electorate, the impact of which has been eminently manifested in the results of the last general election? So, it can be said that this is a sign of evolution going on in the party. Such trend should also be welcome.
How have many of the stalwarts, who would steal the show of the party in the past and had to bow out of the new presidium, taken it all? What is reassuring is that some of them have taken it with good grace, a development that only speaks well of their level of maturity in politics. It is hoped that that all senior leaders who served the party through thick and thin and had now to make way for the new blood, would show similar attitudes towards any change for the better.
The electorate must be happy that the Awami League has got a new leadership after smooth holding of the party council. But what are their expectations from this new leadership? It is worthwhile to note that the party leadership had taken some bold steps immediately after assuming power. But in spite of that, its image has been tainted to some extent due to reports of alleged corruption, rent-seeking and involvement in tender business. Such practice has to be contained at the party grassroots, before it is too late. And the leadership's firmness in this respect will only enhance its image.
So far, the people have only extended their goodwill and best support to the party. Since all is now set for the party after the council and formation of the new committee, it will have no time to waste to fulfil the promises it had made to the people. So, it has now two most important tasks before it. The first is to deliver the development it had promised them and the second is to control corruption. These two tasks have put the party through its paces. It is hoped that the new Awami League leadership would be up to it.
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