Anti-graft drives outcome of AL leadership dispute: Manna

Nagarik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna on Saturday said the on-going drives against corruption and illegal acts were not corrective ones rather they were outcome of disputes over leadership in ruling Awami League and its fronts.

Addressing a human chain formed by Aparajeo Bangladesh in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka demanding release of imprisoned Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia, Manna wanted to why the chiefs of Chhatra League, Juba League and Swechchhasebak League were removed when they were not facing criminal charge.

Mentioning that the Juba League president and general secretary were removed and its central council would arranged just one month after, Manna wanted to know why Awami League had to change its youth body’s top leadership without waiting just a month more.

‘This means, you are now trying to tackle the problems in your party and telling people that you are conducting “corrective drives”,’ he said, adding, ‘Actually, there is no “corrective drives. Things that are taking place are quarrel and dispute over leadership in the party.’

‘You are telling about “corrective drives”. Which correct measures did you follow to come to power? December 30, 2018 was scheduled for holding national elections but the votes were looted on the previous night. ‘What measures did you take about the biggest corruption taken place on the night of December 29, 2018?’

He questioned whether the government would bring all the corrupts, toll collectors, tender manipulators, bribe takers, land grabbers and illegal money makers during their rule for over 10 years to book.

He laid stress on the necessity of waging tough movement for releasing Khaleda.

Presided over by Aparajeo Bangladesh vice-president VP Ibrahim, the human chain was also addressed by BNP leaders Shirin Sultana, Aparna Roy Chowdhury and Farid Uddin, among others. 

In past six weeks, prime minister and AL president Sheikh Hsaina removed Chhatra League president and general secretary, Juba League chairman and general secretary and Swechchhasebak League president from their posts. The prime minister also ordered Swechchhasebak League general secretary not to attend the upcoming council session.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net