Rumeen Farhana seeks clarity on Awami League’s role in local elections

Independent MP Rumeen Farhana has questioned the uncertainty surrounding the timing and participation framework of upcoming local government elections in Bangladesh, raising concerns in parliament over conflicting statements regarding the political landscape.

Speaking during discussions on supplementary budget allocations for the Local Government Division in the 2025–26 fiscal year, she asked when the elections would be held and whether members of the recently restricted Awami League would be allowed to participate.

Rumeen Farhana said there were differing views in political and administrative circles—some suggesting that Awami League members may contest the polls, while others indicated they may be barred. She also noted confusion over whether elections would be held under party symbols or allow “clean image” candidates to participate independently.

She urged the Local Government Minister to clarify the government’s position, saying it would help ensure clarity for political actors at the grassroots level.

The MP also criticized the appointment of administrators to district councils, claiming that local governance is currently being run by appointed officials rather than elected representatives. She argued that this contradicts the constitutional principle of democratic local governance, pointing out that Bangladesh’s political struggles over the past decade were aimed at restoring electoral representation.

In response, Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir assured parliament that local government elections would be held at the appropriate time. However, he did not directly address questions regarding the eligibility of Awami League leaders to participate in the polls.

He said, “I can assure that elections will be held in due course. We will conduct them according to the decisions we have agreed upon.”