No Legal Scope for Party-Based Local Polls: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir briefs journalists after a dinner with leaders of allied political parties in Dhaka on Monday. Photo: Collected

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said the existing law does not allow political parties to contest local government elections using party symbols.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for leaders of allied political parties and alliances that participated in the joint anti-government movement.

Asked whether local government elections would be held on party symbols, Fakhrul said the issue had not yet been discussed with the alliance partners.

"As you know, under the existing law, there is no provision for political parties to contest local government elections under party symbols," he said.

He added that there was no need for further discussion on the matter at this stage, noting that any future decision would be taken through consultations with the allied political parties.

Earlier, Fakhrul reiterated the government's commitment to implementing the 31-point state reform agenda and the July Charter, while highlighting the administration's achievements over the past five months.

He also praised the allied political parties for their role in the 15-year movement against what he described as authoritarian rule, saying those who sacrificed, endured imprisonment or became victims of enforced disappearance and killings would always be remembered by the nation.

Fakhrul expressed hope that all political parties would continue working together in unity to help build the country.