Awami League Joint General Secretary and Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, has described the AL as a "party of workers" and BNP a "party of internal conflicts and midnight appointments."
"The Awami League is not a party of leaders but of workers. This internal democracy sets us apart," he said addressing a discussion at the National Press Club on the occasion of the Awami League's 75th founding anniversary on Monday.
Bangabandhu Cultural Alliance organized the programme.
Hasan further noted that whenever Sheikh Hasina was arrested, it was the ordinary workers who launched into movements, showcasing their commitment and solidarity.
Tarique Rahman symbol of graft, face of BNP's misrule: Hasan Mahmud
He criticized BNP for lacking internal democracy and being riddled with internal conflicts. "BNP talks about democracy, but there is no democracy within their party. Their birth itself was undemocratic.”
The AL leader accused BNP of making decisions influenced by external forces and engaging in secretive appointments and nominations. Highlighting a recent instance, he mentioned the headlines about BNP's search for a secretary-general and the emotional images of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, which he suggested were indicative of deeper issues within the party. "They say Fakhrul's tears are due to Begum Zia's illness, but she has been ill for a long time," he added.
Hasan recalled the efforts by Ziaur Rahman to divide the Awami League post-1975 and praised Sheikh Hasina's leadership in keeping the party united and steering it to power five times, including four consecutive terms. "Sheikh Hasina has provided extraordinary leadership for the past 43 years, elevating the country to a unique stature on the world stage," he said.
“Zia killed democracy and in turn was killed by his people”: Hasan Mahmud
The foreign minister also urged the media to be cautious in their reporting on corruption to avoid making anyone an "innocent victim" or unnecessarily questioning any institution. "Our government's policy is zero tolerance against corruption, but labeling someone as corrupt before an investigation is inappropriate," he advised.
The discussion was presided over by Vice President of Bangabandhu Cultural Alliance and artist of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, Dr Arup Ratan Chowdhury, and conducted by General Secretary Arun Sarkar Rana.
Among the participants were National Press Club President Farida Yasmin MP, former General Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Awami League Shahe Alam Murad, and other notable figures from various sectors.