2024-04-18 15:48:59
Awami League has ordered not to elect family members and relatives of party ministers and members of parliament to make upazila parishad elections free, fair, impartial and competitive. It has been informed that the party will take strict organizational measures including expulsion against those who disobey this instruction.
General Secretary Obaidul Quader held a meeting at the political office of the Awami League President at Dhanmondi in the capital on Thursday (April 18) on the instructions of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina. The party’s organizational secretaries, office secretary and deputy office secretary were present in the meeting. Obaidul Quader ordered the organizing secretary and office secretary to prepare a list of those whose relatives and family members are electing ministers and members of parliament across the country.
At this time, the organizing secretary in charge of the concerned department called Shajahan Khan, Member of Parliament of Madaripur Sadar and member of the presidium of the party, and Ekramul Karim Chowdhury of Noakhali and informed about the party’s decision.
Upazila Parishad elections are being held in four phases this time. In the first phase, voting will be held in 150 upazilas. According to party sources, the main goal in the upazila elections was to ensure the participation of all and keep the elections free from influence. But, the ministers and members of parliament are trying to spread their influence by fielding the votes of their children, family members and close relatives. Besides, they are also trying to use the local administration and police.
A meeting of Awami League’s parliamentary party may be called at the beginning of next month. In that meeting, the prime minister himself can inform the ministers and members of parliament about his instructions regarding the upazila elections. Besides, Awami League’s Central Executive Council meeting may also be held soon. A source in the party said that this direction may be given there as well.