Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni today said no one would be spared for engaging in wrongdoing in the name of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), reiterating the government's firm stance against extortion and land grabbing.
“Extortionists and land grabbers have no place in the BNP under any circumstances. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued strict instructions in this regard. Anyone involved in wrongdoing in the name of the party will not be spared,” he said.
He also warned that no attempt to influence or interfere administratively in the local government elections would be tolerated, adding that the elections would not be held under party symbols.
The chief whip made the remarks while briefing journalists after an important parliamentary party meeting.
He said the meeting held detailed discussions on the overall law and order situation, the current management of the power and energy sectors and preparations for the upcoming local government elections.
The meeting also stressed the need to assess whether the benefits of the government's development and public welfare initiatives were reaching ordinary people at the grassroots level.
On security during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, Nurul Islam said special instructions had been issued to ensure close surveillance to prevent any untoward or provocative incidents during the festivities.
Members of parliament (MPs) from each constituency had been asked to remain closely involved in arrangements at local Puja mandaps and coordinate activities at the grassroots level alongside law enforcement agencies, he said.
He urged all concerned to remain vigilant to prevent any undesirable situation surrounding the festival.
Regarding the upcoming local government elections, the chief whip said the BNP would seek to contest the polls in a united manner. The party would take initiatives to ensure a single candidate in each union to help elect competent and acceptable representatives, he added.
He said emphasis was being placed on maintaining unity at the grassroots level, selecting candidates acceptable to the people and holding the elections in a festive atmosphere, as the polls would not be held under party symbols.
Nurul Islam expressed hope that the Election Commission would decide on the election schedule and other related matters in consultation with the Local Government Ministry. He, however, stressed that there would be no interference in the commission's work.
The prime minister had instructed that those genuinely deserving of election through the people's votes should be able to win, he said.
Calling for party unity and discipline, the chief whip said the prime minister had stressed the importance of MPs remaining united. The meeting discussed their responsibilities, party activities inside and outside parliament and the need to maintain party discipline.
Replying to a question about Bangladeshi expatriates employed abroad, Nurul Islam said the government remained concerned about their safety and welfare.
“If necessary, arrangements will also be made to bring them home safely,” he said, adding that the government was taking necessary steps to protect workers from difficulties.
He said the government would take appropriate measures to ensure their safety in light of the prevailing circumstances.
Describing the parliamentary party meeting as a special one, the chief whip said the prime minister had directly heard MPs' accounts of problems in their respective constituencies and provided guidance on various issues, reports BSS.
The discussions aimed to make government activities more effective, support MPs in discharging their responsibilities and maintain party unity and discipline, he added.