The New Nation - Internet Edition

Pankaj Karmakar

So called associate organisations of the ruling Awami League (AL) have been mushrooming in since the party came to power with landslide victory in the last general elections.

The central leaders of the party has been facing embarrassing situation for this malpractice of this associate organisations.

The allegations include tender manipulation, extortion, brokerage and interfering the appointment process of government and non-government organisations.

Some opportunist government officials have been cashing on the misdeeds of the activities of the so called associate organisations posing themselves as ardent votaries of AL's ideology.

The leaders of these so called organisations are trying to establish supremacy in almost all the government organisations including LGRD, Directorate of Public Work, Department of road and highway, Water Development Board, WASA, Titas, RAJUK, Diploma Engineers Institutes, BSMMU, city corporation market, BRTC, Water Transport Department, Banking sector and semi-government institutions.

Sources said the members of these organisations have been continuously putting pressure on the government officials to secure personal interest through tender manipulating and jobs to their lackeys.

But an spot surveillance showed that the persons, who have been occupying posts of these so called associate organisations, were never involved with AL politics. But no sooner had the party assumed power, they became busy to introduce themselves as AL leaders and trying to reap benefits. In last one months at least five such organisations were identified in Sadar Ghat and its surrounding area.

The leaders of this organisations arrange grand reception programme for political leaders or industrialists to earn money. They also arrange discussion or view-exchange meeting on different historical event and invited some political or industrialists as chief guest to establish credibility of the mushrooming.

According to the provision of 25 (1) of party constitution, Mohila Awami League, Jubo League, Jubo Mohila League, Chhattra League, Secchasebok League, Krishok League, Jatiya Sramik League, Awami Ainjibi Parishad, Sadhinota Chikisshok Parishad and Tanti League are the only approved associate organisations of the party. Moreover some other organisations will act as associate organisations of the parent party.

The organisations, which have no approval of the party, are Dhaka Sarak Paribahan Samity, Ghat Shramik League, Sommillito Tarun Peshajibi Sommonoy Parishad, Bangabandhu Sainik League, Matshajibi League, Nur Hossain Sangasd, Shadhinota Homio Chitkshok Parishad, Awami Olama League, Bangabandhu Hakars Federation, Awami Sangskritik League.

When contacted a senior leader of the party over telephone said, "I have also received allegations in this connection. It is usual practice but we have to remain alert about them so that they can not tarnish image of the party."