Sheikh Hasina was re-elected president of the ruling Awami League unopposed for the eighth consecutive time, while Obaidul Quader was named general secretary for the first time.
The councillors of Awami League, one of the oldest political parties of the country, unanimously elected them in its 20th council as there were no other candidates for the two top party posts.
Earlier, Awami League leader Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury proposed Hasina’s name for the post of president, while Awami League leader Syed Ashraful Islam proposed Quader’s name as general secretary. Awami League leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak
seconded Ashraf’s proposal.
Hasina was first made the Awami League president in its council in 1981.
Quader is a former president of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student associate body of Awami League, and presidium member of the ruling party of its last committee.
Earlier, Abdur Razzak, convener of constitution sub-committee of the council, presented amendments to the party constitution which was passed by the councillors.
As per the amendment, the size of national committee will be 180 in place of the existing 170. The committee will meet once a year instead of every six months. But the meeting will be held more than once a year if the party president wants.
According to the amendments, the number of presidium members will be increased to 19, including party president and general secretary, from the existing 15 while that of joint secretaries to four from the existing three. Besides, there will be eight organising secretaries in place of seven.
There will be a 19-member local government nomination board for party nomination in the local government bodies.
Hasina said it is not possible for her to remain party chief forever. “I came to the people of Bangladesh depriving my children of my affection. You showed me respect which is unforgettable. It’s needed to quit before my dignity gets at stake,” she said.
“I think my duty is over. I’ve brought Awami League to power overcoming many hurdles. I’ve discharged my duties bestowed upon me in 1981. I seek pardon if I hurt anyone,” she added.
She said Awami League has to win the next parliamentary polls due in 2019 to ensure Bangladesh’s economic development and growth.
Hasina said, “Awami League must come back to power to take the nation forward towards its goal of becoming a poverty-free nation.”