In a bid to begin a reformation process to save the party from the so-called intruders, the Awami League (AL) has listed about 1,500 members who will be watched by the senior leaders.
“Prime Minister and party chief Sheikh Hasina made a list of 1,500 intruders. The list has been handed over to those concerned at the divisional level,” General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday (Nov 1).
He made the statement talking to reporters during a visit to an under-construction flyover on Dhaka-Tangail Highway in Shafipur area of Gazipur.
Quader said the intruders were getting involved in many crimes, causing harm to the reputation of the Awami League.
“Intruders, controversial people and wrongdoers have no room in the party leadership,” he said, adding that people with clean image and willingness to work for the country are welcome to join the Awami League.
Leaders and workers concerned have been sent the directive so that no controversial member can get leadership role in the new committees within the party, he added.
Party insiders said the so-called intruders and controversial people are now under surveillance so that no one with questionable background is included in any committee during its upcoming councils.
Over the last decade, pressured by limited political space, many leaders and activists of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have joined the Awami League and its affiliated organizations.
Although these former BNP and Jamaat men have pledged themselves to the ruling party’s liberal ideals, The AL veterans claim that these “intruders and opportunists” have been tarnishing their party’s political image by engaging in various criminal activities.
Quader, who is the road transport minister, said the enforcement of the Road Transport Act will bring discipline in roads and highways
“Development has no meaning without discipline on roads. The Road Transport Act has been enacted to bring discipline in roads and highways,” he was quoted by BSS as saying.