Hold local elections before nat’l polls

Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan yesterday called for holding local government elections before the next national parliamentary polls, arguing that such a move would enable honest and capable leadership to emerge from the grassroots.

The party's Ameer Abu Jafar Qasemi made the remarks while talking to reporters following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and other election commissioners at the EC Secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka.

"We have seen that whichever party is in power, they try to ensure the victory of their own people in local government elections. That's why we propose holding local polls first. If that happens, honest and capable individuals from the grassroots will be able to rise as public representatives," Qasemi said.

He expressed confidence in the current Election Commission.

"When and how the election will be held is up to the government. We believe this Election Commission is honest and competent," he said.

"Everyone knows that under the previous fascist regime, voting was done at night, and the people's will was not reflected. We want a system where people can freely express their will through voting and where honest, qualified candidates can be elected," Qasemi added.