EC seeks law amendment to stop MPO teachers contesting in local elections

The proposed amendments also cover fugitive suspects, loan defaulters and election tribunals

The Election Commission (EC) has moved to amend the law to stop teachers and staff at MPO-listed educational institutions from contesting in local government elections.

To this end, it will propose amendments to the eligibility clauses of the City Corporation, Municipality, Upazila Council, District Council and Union Council Acts.

If the amendment goes through, anyone currently employed at an MPO-listed institution will be barred from taking part in local government elections, and will have to resign before becoming a candidate.

The move has drawn opposition from the "MPO-listed Educational Institutions Nationalisation Expectant Alliance," a coalition of MPO teachers.

The organisation argues that restricting the electoral rights of MPO teachers, without granting them government employee status, will breed "resentment" within the teaching community.