No party symbols in local govt elections: Mir Shahe Alam

No party symbols will be allowed in the upcoming local government elections, Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam has said. He disclosed the information while speaking to journalists after paying tribute at the grave of BNP founder and martyred president Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Saturday, April 4.

The state minister said the government has taken the decision to make local government elections more effective, participatory and impartial. Candidates will have to contest as independents instead of using party symbols in future local government elections.

He further informed that the process of transforming ordinances into laws is underway to bring structural reforms and enhance administrative efficiency at various levels of the local government system. The official schedule for local government elections will be announced after these laws are enacted.

Mir Shahe Alam said several leaders who could not be given party nominations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election have been appointed as administrators of district councils. Although these appointments were made based on party considerations, the administrators will be held accountable.

The state minister said since those appointed as administrators are likely to contest in future elections, they will perform their duties impartially in their own interest.

He added that the government's main goal is to strengthen service delivery under the local government framework and ensure administrative transparency.

Regarding the ongoing investigation against former Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Ejaz, he said the matter is being looked into and necessary action will be taken.