DHAKA: Awami League leader Professor Abu Sayeed on Saturday urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to leave the syndicate that has formed around her.

“You cannot do good works until the syndicate will remain around you. The syndicate grown up around you won’t allow you to perform good deeds. This is why you have to leave this syndicate,” he said.

The senior AL leader made the observation while addressing a function organized by Jatiya Party to observe the National Mourning Day, at the National Press Club in the afternoon.

Criticising the government harshly, he said, “We have deviated from the ideals cherished by Bangabandhu. Politics has turned into ruffianism.”

He added: “Those who have money and muscle power have taken politics under their control. The corruption has permeated into every aspect of the society.”

The former information said, “Nowadays election is not necessary for ascending power; muscle and money power will do the trick.”

I was an independent candidate from my constituency but the former State Minister for Home Affairs won from that constituency by seizing polling centers using RAB and police, he added.

He also criticised the National Broadcast Policy.

With JP Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam in the chair, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque and Barrister Amirul Islam were among present in the function.

BDST: 2115 HRS, AUG 16, 2014