Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan has emphasised the necessity of holding local government elections before the national election.
"There is a lack of local government representatives, with district commissioners filling these roles. However, these officials are facing numerous challenges and are reluctant to take on additional responsibilities," he said, speaking to the press on Tuesday (18 January) afternoon, following a meeting with district commissioners (DCs) at the Osmani Memorial Hall in the capital.
In light of this, he advocated for the rapid election of local government representatives, a matter which is currently under discussion.
He added that in the absence of elections, administrators would need to be appointed.
At that time the adviser also said most of the leaders and activists of the Awami League are currently fugitives.
However, he assured that those who have not committed any wrongdoing would not be obstructed from participating in local elections, provided they seek forgiveness.
He made it clear, though, that individuals involved in genocidal acts would not be permitted to stand for election.
