Online Desk : Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today urged all to cast their votes for those who stand beside the people and will be with them (countrymen) in future instead of the "guest birds" in politics.

"The root-level activists of Awami League are the lifeline of the party. Awami League has turned into a party of mass people because of the root-level activists," he said, addressing a civic meeting at Circuit House before joining an extended meeting of AL district unit here.

The minister said many leaders of the party made mistakes and many leaders left the party. But the activists of the party (AL) were united always and they keep the party afloat, said the AL joint general secretary.

He said many leaders of Awami League were hesitant when Bangabandhu`s daughter, the then AL President and incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was arrested in 2007. Many leaders talked in different tones and even many of them had decided to compromise, he added.

But, the minister said, the root-level activists were united and "our leader was released" because of their movement. For this, democracy has been re-established, he added.

About elections, Hasan said everyone would try to get nomination from Awami League in the next national polls. But, the Awami League does not need anyone except the dedicated leaders, he added.

The minister urged all to cast their votes for those who stand beside the common people.

He said the scenario of the country has changed in the last 13 years for the dynamic and farsighted leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The country would move ahead if the trend of development continues, he added. BSS