The most pressing political debate at present revolves around whether the parliamentary election or local government polls should be held first.
In the midst of divided opinions among political parties, indications suggest that a policy decision has been made to prioritise the national election.
The government, facing opposition from the BNP and several other political factions regarding local elections, appears to be moving forward with the parliamentary polls, a stance also echoed by the Election Commission.
According to reports published in various newspapers, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has reiterated his commitment to holding the national election in his public addresses.
However, the absence of elected local government representatives across the country has not only deprived citizens of essential services but also increased pressure on the field administration.
As a result, the government had previously considered holding local elections first.
On 8 January, during a meeting with European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice President Nicola Beer, Professor Yunus stated that preparations were underway for both the parliamentary and local government elections.
The following day, at a press briefing, Adviser to the interim government Mahfuz Alam acknowledged the concerns over the lack of essential civic services, stating that holding local elections could resolve the issue.
He further noted that discussions with political parties would shape the government's final decision on the matter.
A public opinion survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) at the request of the Electoral Reform Commission from 20 to 22 December last year indicated strong public support for local government elections.
However, once the government’s plans for such elections became public, political divisions deepened.
BNP, the Left Democratic Alliance, and their allies vehemently opposed holding local polls before the parliamentary election.
Amid the debate, opposition parties have warned of potential unrest. The BNP and its allies have accused the government of using local elections as a pretext for manipulation, while Islamist political groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh (Charmonai Pir), have also voiced opposition to the plan.
The recently submitted summary of recommendations from the Local Government Reform Commission, however, stated that local elections could feasibly be held by June.
Despite this, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Ghulam Parwar, speaking at an event last Friday, argued that holding local government elections before the national polls would alleviate public suffering.
In contrast, on the preceding day, BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman claimed that any such election before the parliamentary polls would serve to rehabilitate “fugitive autocrats and those responsible for genocide, money laundering, and mafia activities.”
Election Commission itself has indicated that it does not favour holding local government elections first.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman Masud stated at an event in Dhamrai on 27 February, “Our primary focus at this moment is the parliamentary election.”
Intelligence agencies have also reportedly advised the government against holding local polls at this time based on field-level assessments.
Consequently, the government appears to be reconsidering its stance on local elections and is leaning towards appointing administrators at all tiers of local governance instead.
Sources suggest that the government is already under considerable pressure on multiple fronts.
Holding local elections in the face of strong BNP-led opposition could further exacerbate political tensions.
In light of these factors, the government has seemingly abandoned the idea of local polls for now, shifting its focus instead towards ensuring a smooth parliamentary election.
