Local Govt polls more difficult without party symbols: Minister

Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has said that the upcoming local government elections will be more challenging due to the absence of party symbols.

He said that elections to every Union Parishad will be held in the future and stressed the importance of ensuring that genuine and capable representatives are elected. “This election will be memorable. The previous national election was challenging, and the Union Parishad elections will be even more difficult,” he said.

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an annual sports and prize distribution ceremony at Haji Fateh Mohammadia Dakhil Madrasa in Lakshmipur Sadar Upazila on Friday afternoon (April 24).

Earlier, he visited the erosion-affected WAPDA canal area in Dighali and gave necessary instructions to officials. Anee Chowdhury is the Member of Parliament for Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar) and the convener of the district BNP.

The minister said that the absence of elected local government representatives has created difficulties in governance. “For 17–18 years, due to this system, rural areas have faced various problems. We were elected just two months ago. In many areas, there are no local representatives—no chairmen or members. Some are absconding, and many are unable to perform their duties,” he said.

He added that those currently in office should be supported in their work.

Regarding local elections, he said that candidates should be community-oriented, connected with people, and actively involved in public service. He warned against internal party competition leading to multiple candidates from the same party, saying it could result in electoral defeat.

He further said that elections could be announced at any time and emphasized that Union Parishad chairmen and members play a very important role. “Our fate is connected with them. If they work well, we all benefit; if not, we will face problems,” he said, urging everyone to remain alert and cautious.

The event was attended by Private Secretary to the Minister Jamshad Alam Rana, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kathoai Prue Marma, BFF Vice President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, and former Dighali Union Parishad Chairman Golam Sarwar, among others.