Following the announcement of the roadmap by the Election Commission (EC) for the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections, the ruling Awami League (AL) has already launched a survey across the country to find possible candidates with a clean image to ensure victory for the fourth consecutive times.
Party insiders said some 140 incumbent lawmakers may miss the ticket of boat for vying in the next national elections scheduled to be held in December 2023 or January 2024 for their controversial activities.
The running lawmakers who may miss the party ticket bases on different allegations are anti-organisational activities, repatriation of BNP-Jamaat men in the party, nepotism, ignorance of time-tested party men, attacks on public representatives, control of local politics by shadow lawmakers, working for rebel candidates, creation of own shield in the constituency and conflict among leaders and activists.
Besides, allegations of occupying water bodies, the government’s Khas land, sand quarry and hat-bazars were brought against the lawmakers.
The allegations have already been placed on the table of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Taking the allegations into cognizance, the party has already launched a special survey to verify the allegations brought against the members.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also AL president is monitoring the survey at each constituency ahead of the election, they said.
The number of accused lawmakers is higher in Rajshahi, Barishal, Rangpur and Chattogram divisions compared to other divisions.
On Wednesday last, Sheikh Hasina at a press conference hinted at bringing changes in the selection of candidates in any election terming the process as a normal one.
According to sources of the Prime Minister’s Office and Ganabhaban, though a collection of information from the grassroots level on activities of the lawmakers is made on a regular basis, however, this year the task gets more importance ahead of the election because of the present unstable situation in the country.
Awami League leaders at the divisional level also submitted allegations against the discontent lawmakers to the party high command.
Contacted, Awami League Presidium Member Abdur Rahman told Bangladesh Pratidin that Sheikh Hasina always takes time for a befitting decision inside the party and in connection with the nomination of candidates as she knows the partymen better.
The lawmakers having minimum allegations will not get tickets for boat symbol in the upcoming national parliamentary election, he added.
Another Presidium Member Jahangir Kabir Nanok said the person who is honest, intrepid and after all acceptable to the people will get priority in securing the party ticket in vying for the next national election.
Hinting at a strict action against the controversial lawmakers, the presidium member further said the prime minister has been looking for possible candidates across the country as no compromise will work in combing the right candidate.
“The lawmaker could be a top leader will not be spared in stepping into his activities,” he warned.
@ The article appeared in print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on September 17 and has been rewritten in English by MSU and Golam Rosul.
