Awami League Leaders and Activists Can Contest Elections as Independents
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Members of the Awami League will not be allowed to participate in elections using the party’s name or official positions, they will be able to contest the upcoming local government elections in their personal capacity, according to the Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser, Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during a briefing at the Secretariat regarding the progress of various government activities.
The adviser said, “Local government elections will be non-partisan. Anyone may participate in the election using their personal identity, and the government will not obstruct anyone from contesting individually, regardless of political affiliation.”
He further added, “Since the activities of the Awami League are currently banned, there is no opportunity to contest elections using Awami League titles or positions. However, regardless of political affiliation, no one will face obstacles if they participate in the local elections as an individual.”
On June 2, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah E Alam said that local government elections would be held soon, citing disruptions in city corporation operations due to the absence of elected representatives.
On that day, he said, “After budget allocations for elections are finalized, decisions regarding which elections will take place and when will be made from July–August onward.”
Prior to that, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon announced last month that all local government elections across the country would be completed within the next year.
Regarding barrage construction, the adviser also stated that the government plans to undertake a project similar to the Padma Barrage for the construction of a Teesta Barrage to preserve water.
He said, “The government is planning to retain water coming from India during the monsoon season through this barrage and use it during the dry season.”
He further mentioned, “If a barrage or reservoir is built in the Teesta region, it may cost around Tk 20,000 crore, which the Bangladesh government is capable of financing. However, opportunities will remain open if any other country wishes to assist with the project.”
Speaking on the recent issue of push-ins, he said that India is not sending people into Bangladesh to create pressure. Rather, he claimed it is being done as part of commitments included in the election manifesto of the government of West Bengal. He expressed hope that the issue would soon be resolved through discussions between the governments of the two countries.
