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Published : 15 Jun 2026, 09:30 PM
Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has dodged a direct question in parliament on whether members of the Awami League would be allowed to participate in local government elections.
The issue was raised by Brahmanbaria-2 lawmaker Rumeen Farhana on Monday during discussion on a cut motion over grants for the Local Government Division in the 2025–26 supplementary budget.
She said district councils were already being run by politically appointed administrators, and argued this went against constitutional rules that require elected representatives at the local level.
Referring to the electoral timeline, Rumeen questioned when local government elections would be held and whether the Awami League -- banned from carrying out political activities -- would be allowed to contest.
“There are conflicting statements -- some say they can participate, some say they cannot. Others say individuals with personal popularity may contest if elections are non-party based.
“If the minister clarified these issues, it would be easier for everyone to understand,” she said.
Fakhrul avoided addressing the matter directly, saying only that local government elections would be held on time.
“I can assure you that local government elections will be held in due time. We will be able to hold the elections according to the decisions we have agreed upon,” he said, without elaborating further.
The Awami League has been politically sidelined since Aug 5, 2024, when a student-led uprising forced Sheikh Hasina to leave the country.
She has since been living in Delhi.
In 2025, she was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal in a case involving crimes against humanity, alongside multiple prison terms in corruption cases.
During the interim administration, the party was effectively removed from political participation.
It was also barred from the February election.
On Jun 9, Information Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman told a press briefing at the Secretariat that there was “no problem” with individuals participating in elections regardless of party affiliation in a non-partisan contest.
