BNP to field candidates in local government polls despite no party symbol: Mir Shah Alam

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided to field candidates in local government elections, despite there being no provision for the use of party symbols in such polls.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam disclosed the decision while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Thursday (September 10).

He said the party’s highest policymaking level has instructed local BNP leaders to try to ensure that a single party-backed candidate is supported in each union. However, the BNP will not take a separate organisational position in the local government elections.

The state minister said that as there is no provision for party nominations or symbols in local government elections, any eligible candidate who meets the legal requirements can contest the polls. In such circumstances, there is no scope to provide any particular party’s candidate with special advantages.

Mir Shah Alam said that since local government elections are not being held on a party basis, all candidates who meet the legal requirements will be able to contest. He added that the prime minister has given direct instructions to take all necessary measures to ensure free, fair and impartial elections.

He further said the government would provide the Election Commission with all necessary support to ensure a fair environment for the local government elections. The administration will also work to ensure the security of eligible candidates and enable them to conduct their election campaigns without hindrance.

The state minister said the government’s main objective is to hold free, fair and impartial elections. To this end, both local and central administrations will cooperate with the Election Commission as required.