Awami League collaborators still control parts of state machinery: Tarique
The parties that jointly led the movement against the previous government remain united in their goals and will work together, says prime minister.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (20 July) said supporters and collaborators of the Awami League continue to occupy many levels of the state administration, making it difficult for his government to carry out its agenda despite being in office for five months.
He made the remarks while responding to concerns raised by leaders of 41 political parties that participated in the BNP-led simultaneous anti-government movement during a courtesy meeting and dinner at the State Guest House Jamuna – his first formal engagement with alliance partners since assuming office.
Several allies expressed frustration over what they described as limited communication and inadequate recognition after the election, saying the regular coordination maintained during the anti-government movement had largely ceased. They also called for greater representation of coalition partners in appointments and responsibilities from the grassroots to the national level.
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Assuring the allies that they would receive due recognition once the government overcame its current challenges, Tarique said: "The government is only five months old. We have had to work in a very adverse environment. Supporters and infiltrators of the Awami League still control many levels of the administration."
Abu Hanif, spokesperson for Gono Odhikar Parishad, told The Business Standard that although only a few alliance representatives spoke, they reflected the concerns of all partners.
"We carried out the simultaneous movement with the BNP, but five months after the government was formed, we have not seen proper evaluation of our role, from the grassroots to important state positions," he said, adding that allies wanted greater involvement in government development initiatives.
Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque questioned whether the BNP had adopted an "alone" strategy after the election.
"A long political journey requires trusted partners, so allies must be taken into confidence. Distrust among allies is growing as in the past five months, thousands of appointments have been made, but there has been no discussion with the alliance partners. If you want to travel a long road, you need companions," he said.
According to Saiful Haque, Tarique, in reply, described the gathering as a "welcome dinner" and pledged to hold regular meetings with alliance partners.
Among those addressing the gathering were Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Saiful Haque and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Mufti Mohiuddin Ikram. Senior BNP leaders and members of the liaison committee formed during the anti-government movement also attended.
