No bar on Awami League members joining local polls if criteria fulfilled: advisor

Information Advisor Zahed stresses that anyone can participate in the elections, as long as eligibility criteria are met

The local government elections are open to members of the Awami League, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria and do not campaign under the party’s banner, Prime Minister’s Information Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman has said.

Speaking at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he noted that local government elections are held on a non-party basis, meaning candidates participate as independents rather than representatives of political parties.

Asked whether the activists of Awami League, banned from carrying out political activities, would be allowed to contest despite the party being barred from political activities, Zahed said there was “no problem” with any individual taking part in the polls if they fulfilled the conditions set for candidates.

“If someone runs as an independent candidate but uses the campaign to promote the Awami League or its activities, that would be an issue,” he said.

“Other than that, any individual who meets the criteria can contest the election.”

Responding to a question about candidates who still hold positions within the Awami League, the advisor said the party’s organisational activities remain banned and such positions cannot be exercised in practice.

On whether Awami League members facing criminal cases would be eligible to run, Zahed said the existence of a case alone does not automatically disqualify a candidate.

He noted that even the general elections allow participation by candidates facing legal cases, unless they have been convicted and sentenced under specific disqualifying provisions.

“The same principles apply. Eligibility will be determined by the criteria set for the election, not simply by whether a case has been filed against someone,” he said.