DHAKA, 2 July 2007 — The biggest political party in Bangladesh, the Awami League, has unveiled a set of internal reforms aimed at curbing the powers of its autocratic leader, former Premier Hasina Wajed.
“No person will be allowed to hold the post of party president or general secretary for more than two consecutive terms,” said Abdur Razzak, a member of the party presidium, in announcing the 11-point reform plan late on Saturday.
Razzak, who heads an Awami reformists panel, told reporters the plan would go to the party’s working committee for approval once the army-backed Bangladeshi interim government lifted its ban on indoor political activity.
Razzak proposed that top Awami leaders be chosen in a secret ballot of elected party representatives including members of grass-roots councils and that no one should hold a key post for more than two consecutive terms. He said the measure would help establish democracy within the party and encourage young leaders.
Razzak proposed that no one convicted in a criminal case or as a war criminal should be allowed party membership and no black money holders should run for office on the Awami ticket.
Former President Hossain Mohammad Ershad on Saturday announced his resignation as chairman of the Jatiya Party.
