AL gen secy opposes selling of party nomination for elections

Ruling Awami League (AL) general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam has strongly opposed awarding party nomination in lieu of money to contest elections, reports UNB. "Nowhere in the world political parties give nomination to the candidates contesting elections or party leaders are chosen in lieu of money. It is possible only in Bangladesh," said Ashraf while speaking as chief guest at AL membership campaign. The function was held in Hossainpur Upazila auditorium under Kishoreganj district Wednesday afternoon. Ashraf, also LGRD and Cooperatives Minister, observed that elections could be free and fair without the presence of the army. This has proved from all the polls held during the present government. He said the AL has started membership campaign for making the party more democratic. The Prime Minister and he have also renewed the party membership. Each and everyone of AL is to renew the membership. Anyone failing to renew the membership will lose the right to vote in election of party representatives to the local committees. Renewal of membership is compulsory for contesting in election of leadership from ward to district levels, said the AL general secretary. He admitted that the role of grassroots members of the party had not been properly evaluated earlier. But, he said, the process started since last year. This has strengthened the democratic base of the party. Ashraf rubbished the opposition contention that free, fair and neutral election is not possible under the political government. Apprehen-sion of vote rigging, hijack of ballot boxes has proved wrong in Narayanganj City Corporation polls held last month. What needed are determination, sincerity and honesty of the government, he said.