Staff Correspondent

Local Government, Rural Development adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan today said the decision regarding holding local government elections prior to national polls is expected to be made soon.

“No final decision has been made regarding local government elections before the national election. However, a decision will come very soon in this regard,” he said.

Asif Mahhmud, also adviser to youth and sports ministry, was speaking to journalists after the sixth session of the third and final day of the DC Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

The adviser said the issue of not having elected representatives in local government institutions is a daily problem.

“Officials currently handling additional responsibilities in various local government institutions frequently urge us to appoint (full-time) administrators or conduct elections”.

“The government has yet to make a final decision ... However, a decision will come soon -- either through the election of public representatives or the appointment of administrators to oversee the local government institutions," he added.

“Today, the divisional commissioners present here are in charge of various city corporations. Similarly, deputy commissioners are managing zila parishads,” he said, adding, “It is extremely difficult for one single officer to manage everything efficiently when assigned with two or three responsibilities.”

Asif said, “I believe local government elections should take place to bring real representatives to the local bodies. This matter was also discussed in the last consensus meeting.”

When asked whether it would be better to hold local government elections before the national elections, the adviser said, “I personally think it would be better. We need to run the country. Local government institutions can play a crucial role in ensuring holding national election smoothly, from maintaining law and order to facilitate a fair process.”

The final resolution will come from the government after discussions with other political parties, the adviser added.

In response to a question about why local government elections are needed sooner, Asif Mahmud said, “There are common complaints that citizens have to go through a lot of hassle to get a birth certificate, death certificate, or a succession certificate. But it's hard to obtain these services because the officers are already overloaded with their responsibilities.”

Referring to recently published UN report, the adviser said, “The genocide committed by Awami League is now internationally recognized and documented. So, it must be punished. Looking at the historical context of fascism in Europe, particularly in Germany and Italy, we see similar patterns.”

Regarding the participation of Awami League in local government elections, Asif Mahmud said, “Those involved in the killing and atrocities are mostly fugitives or imprisoned due to legal cases. However, as Adviser Nahid Islam has pointed out, if someone from Awami League is not involved in any crimes or atrocities, they can apologize and reintegrate into the mainstream.”

“If they wish to participate in elections, there is no objection, but anyone involved in genocide will not be allowed to contest,” he said.

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