Don’t Allow Infiltrators Into AL: Sheikh Hasina

On Sunday, Prime Minister Sheik Hasina asked her party leaders not to invite the infiltrators into the Bangladesh Awami League (AL) to say that their misdeeds will tarnish the image of the party.

"If some (party) is in power, certain people come from various sides and (join the party). They resort to numerous events and misdeeds, since entering the party. The party should bear it, "she said during a discussion marking  National Mourning Day.

The virtual conversation was coordinated by North and South units of AL Dhaka city. Sheikh Hasina, also the president of the AL, joined the function as the chief guest from her Ganobhaban residence. Other leaders were connected from the capital's AL central office on Bangabandhu Avenue.

Sheik Hasina said that is why she warned the party leaders and activists at the beginning of her reign not to recognize those who came from political parties founded by military rulers and those who were with war criminals.

"And they hurt the party if they come in and respond to accidents and destroy our good leaders and activists. The cases ended across as infighting. But when it's discovered, these are seen as happenings created by someone that unexpectedly came in and took place at the gathering, "she said.

Sheik Hasina said the infiltrators are so well acting that many party leaders are taking them to reinforce their parties. "To put them in this direction is really costly to us," she said.

Noting that Awami League is only the party that is well formed up to grassroots level in Bangladesh with a large base of followers and popular support, she requested party leaders and activists to still construct the party based on ideology.

‘Find democracy in democratic environment’

Taking a stab at a group of academics and dignitaries, the Prime Minister said they're not seeking equality in the democratic world, but they're still happy for undemocratic regimes to use.

She spoke to Ziaur Rahman, stating that those who come to power by promulgating the Marshal Law Ordinance can not bring about democracy. Yet there are also academics and dignitaries in the military dictatorship or the state of emergency who are trying freedom, she said.

"They are looking for freedom when the state of emergency arrives or when the armed leaders step in they have a taste for freedom. Yet Liberalism is not present in the political world. That means their role is to flatter and butter up the charter, "she said.

Sheikh Hasina said those who seized control recruit the flatters suddenly and they (a group of intellectuals) remain ready for usage.

"But where the real political structure or democratic process prevails they have little meaning. No matter if they hold 'use me' written in the box, the democratic government wouldn't need them. They're still yelling that there's no freedom, "she added.