Awami League Barred from Elections, State Minister Confirms
State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam declared on Friday that the Awami League cannot participate in future elections. He made this statement in Bogura. Mir Shahe Alam confirmed that the Awami League remains a banned organization in the country.
Until this ban is lifted, the party cannot join any political activities. This includes holding rallies, meetings, or opening party offices. The State Minister warned that law enforcement agencies will take action if the ban is violated. He added that he feels uncomfortable answering questions about a banned group.
The government, he stated, is committed to holding fair local government elections. These elections will cover five levels of local government. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given clear instructions for these polls to be fully accepted by the public.
To achieve this, nearly Tk 60 billion has been set aside in the national budget. The Election Commission is currently making all necessary preparations. The State Minister also explained new legal changes for these local elections.
Under the amended law, political parties cannot use their nominations or symbols. Candidates will run using general, non-partisan symbols instead. However, the BNP has decided to support single candidates. This aims to keep party discipline strong among local members.
If multiple BNP candidates appear in any union, local leaders will try to reach an understanding. If an agreement is not found, organizational action may be taken for breaking party rules.
Mir Shahe Alam also discussed major development projects in Bogura. These projects include an Export Processing Zone, an airport, and a railway line connecting Bogura and Sirajganj. He expects to see visible progress on these initiatives by December. He noted that the government has only been in office for six months, and large projects take time to start.
Earlier on Friday, the State Minister inaugurated a program by releasing fish fry into a pond in Shibganj. He later visited talent hunt examination centers for teachers and students. He also handed over two school buses to local schools to help students travel safely.
