Dhaka: Anyone who meets the requirements will be able to contest the upcoming local government elections, as the polls will not be held on a party basis, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam said. He made this announcement while referring to Awami League leaders and activists, emphasizing that the elections will be open to all eligible individuals.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Shahe Alam clarified that there is no opportunity to participate in the election on a party basis, eliminating party nominations or symbols. He stated, "There is no question of contesting here as an Awami League candidate. There will be no party nomination or party symbol," during a conversation with reporters at the Secretariat.
When asked about the government's stance on the participation of Awami League leaders and activists, Shahe Alam reiterated the government's clear message. He noted that since the elections are not party-based, any individual who is legally eligible can contest as a valid candidate.
Shahe Alam also mentioned that BNP has opted to support candidates locally rather than contesting the elections as a party. "The upazila BNP may select one candidate for each union. The party's highest policy-making level has also instructed local BNP leaders to make their utmost efforts to have a single candidate in every union," he explained.
The state minister assured that the government's role will be to assist the Election Commission in conducting a free, fair, and neutral election. He emphasized that both local and central administrations will work to ensure security for all eligible candidates and enable them to conduct their election campaigns effectively.