AL unfazed by BNP’s 10-point demand

The Awami League seems unruffled by the BNP's 10-point demand announced at Saturday's rally.

The ruling party sees no issue that could be a cause for concern in the days to come, AL insiders said.

The party leaders believe the "bubble of the BNP's much-hyped divisional rallies had burst as it came up with the same old demands".

The AL, however, had been "worried" about the BNP's December 10 rally as it was somewhat clueless about what the opposition party would do. And the ruling party felt relieved as there was no unexpected situation centring the rally.

It now wants to fully concentrate on its campaign for the next national polls, slated for January 2024, and expand its alliance by bringing in like-minded parties, said party insiders.

"The Speaker's acceptance of resignations of the BNP MPs and declaration that the parliamentary seats are vacant proved that the government is not taking the BNP's demands seriously," a central committee member of the AL told The Daily Star, seeking anonymity.

At a rally in Jashore on November 24, Prime Minister and AL President Sheikh Hasina sought votes for "boat", the electoral symbol of the ruling party. With this call, the AL kicked off its campaign.

Later, she attended rallies in Chattogram and Cox's Bazar and made the same appeal.

Talking to reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat yesterday, AL Joint General Secretary Hasan Mahmud said most of the demands of the BNP were old. The party has been demanding those for long, he said.

He added that the BNP would suffer for their lawmakers' resignations, and there would be no loss to the House or the government.

"There are 350 lawmakers in parliament and it doesn't matter if seven lawmakers resign," said Hasan, also information and broadcasting minister.

According to sources, the AL is now holding councils across the country and through the councils, the party is reviving its activities which remained stagnant after the Covid outbreak.

The party is preparing for the next national polls by drawing up its manifesto, working to woo like-minded parties, and conducting surveys to find acceptable candidates.

And after the AL's central triennial council, slated for December 24, the party will formally start its electioneering.

On the other hand, the BNP has been organising rallies and processions across the country for several months and vowing not to take part in the elections under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led administration.

The AL insiders think the BNP would ultimately participate in the polls no matter what they are saying now. The ruling party also thinks its preparation in advance will give them an edge in the polls.

Asked, Party Presidium Member Kazi Zafarullah told this correspondent that his party was not giving any importance to the BNP's demands and threat for waging movement. "We are taking preparation for the next elections and we want to assume power by having the people's mandate."