Pointing to a staggering lack of coordination within the party, leaders of Barisal district, city and upazila units Awami League and its associated bodies yesterday demanded formation of new committees at the grassroots tiers.

They alleged that the party activities have come to a standstill since AL-led government came to power in January last year.

While addressing the party's extended meeting here at the Circuit House conference room, the leaders also demanded punishment of the BNP-Jamaat men who tortured the AL activists during the four party-led government's rule between 2001 and 2006.

Awami League's move to strengthen the party's activities, resolve conflicts and ensure coordination at grassroots levels started from Barisal district yesterday with renewal of party membership and new recruitments.

Barisal district unit AL General Secretary Abul Hasanat Abdullah's primary party membership was the first to be renewed under the process.

AL presidium member Yusuf Hossain Humayun was present as chief guest at the meeting with Mokhlesur Rahman, acting president of Barisal district AL, in the chair.

AL Organising Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, who is in charge of looking after the party activities in Barisal division, and central leader Afzal Hossain, Barisal City Corporation Mayor Shawkat Hossain Hiron, AL lawmakers Talukder Mohammad Yunus, Monirul Islam Moni, and Pervin Talukder and leaders of city, upazila, municipality units and associated bodies also spoke at the meeting.

The meeting started around 11:00am and continued till 5:30pm without any break.

Addressing the meeting Barisal City unit AL Convenor Hiron demanded party councils of the district, city and upazila units.

Hiron said change in the leadership is necessary to avert debacle in the next election.

Barisal city AL leader Anisuddin also demanded new leadership in all tiers.

Yusuf Mollah, president of Agailjhara upazila AL, demanded punishment to the BNP men who tortured AL men while the BNP-Jamaat coalition was in power.

AL leaders of Uzirpur and Banaripara upazila units criticised local lawmaker Moni for not involving them in party activities.

Babuganj upazila AL leader Farzana Binte Wahab, who is also the vice chairman of Babuganj upazila parishad, alleged that the local AL lacks proper coordination.

Bahauddin Nasim directed the local leaders to bring an end to the misunderstanding among the party leaders and to remain united to strengthen the organisation.

Nasim said the contribution of the grassroots level leaders would have to be evaluated. He also directed the party men not to get involved in tender manipulations.

Afzal Hossain urged all to remain cautious about the anti-government propaganda by the main opposition.

Hasanat Abdullah directed the local leaders not to get involved in criminal activities.