Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday clarified that individuals associated with the Awami League can participate in the upcoming local government elections, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and refrain from campaigning on behalf of the party.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Dr. Zahed made these remarks during a press conference held at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the Secretariat. The conference addressed the progress of various government activities, and Dr. Zahed’s comments came in response to questions about the Awami League’s participation, given the current ban on its activities.
Dr. Zahed emphasized that there would be no obstacles for individuals contesting the polls since the elections are to be conducted on a non-party basis. He stated, “There is no problem at all. If a person wants to participate in the election and fulfils the required criteria, he or she can contest.”
When questioned about candidates who might still hold positions within the Awami League, Dr. Zahed clarified that as the party’s organizational activities are currently banned, such positions cannot be leveraged for official or political purposes. “Since organisational activities of the Awami League are prohibited, those positions cannot be used. However, as individuals, anyone who fulfils the necessary criteria and wishes to contest the election may do so,” he reiterated.
Dr. Zahed concluded by stating that the government sees no reason to bar any eligible individual from participating in the local government elections.