Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have expressed hope that the Awami League (AL) would become more democratic in its dealings with other political parties—the Opposition in particular—and seek to institutionalise democracy and help restore a congenial political environment in the country.
Talking to The Independent, senior leaders of the BNP wished the ruling party's two-day national council all success. They said it would, hopefully, send out a new message to the people for restoration of democracy and their voting rights. The BNP would be waiting to see whether the AL speaks about restoration of democracy and takes any decision in this regard at the council, they added.
The leaders made the observation in the context of the AL’s national council, scheduled to be held at Suhrawardy Udyan on October 22–23.
Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, BNP's standing committee member, said he personally wished the AL council success. But, in the same breath, he added that success would come only if the party takes a decision on restoration of democracy. “Otherwise, the council will be a conventional one, and there will be no impact of it on national politics,” he said. Another standing committee member, Nazrul Islam Khan, said they want the AL council to bring about changes in its party and policy affairs. “The council should help the AL become more democratic so that it can take the initiative to give democracy an institutional shape,” he added. Referring to the “unprecedented preparations” for the council, including large-scale illumination all over the city, the BNP leader said people may question the expenditure and the source of the money being spent.
“We hope the AL will be more active to make the party, as well as the government, become more democratic and create a healthy and democratic political atmosphere in the country,” he added. BNP vice-chairman Maj. (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, however, said people have no interest in such councils, as they are frustrated about the role of political parties. He also said political leaders in the past thought about the emancipation and well-being of the masses, but the present crop of leaders have no affection for the people.
The BNP leader also thinks that, just like other parties, the AL council too would not allow councillors to elect their leaders through voting, as the political scenario has totally changed.
BNP joint secretary general, Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, said they were waiting to see whether the AL talks about bringing back democracy at the council. “Strengthening democracy and restoring voting rights depend on the willingness of the ruling party. Let us see whether they want to bring back democracy and take any decision to cancel Section 123 of the Constitution to stop holding elections without dissolving Parliament,” he added. Sarwar expressed hope that as the country's oldest political party, the AL would return to its tradition and restore the democratic atmosphere in Bangladesh.