Major change in local elections: No more party symbols, says reform commission chief

Local elections in Bangladesh will no longer be held under party symbols, marking a significant change in the country’s electoral process. 

This announcement was made by Professor Dr. Tofail Ahmed, the head of the Local Government Reform Commission, during a meeting on Tuesday, January 14, at the Singair Upazila Parishad conference room in Manikganj.

Dr. Tofail Ahmed stated, "We have engaged in discussions with our stakeholders and taken their advice. Based on their recommendations, positive changes will take place in all areas. Local elections will no longer use party symbols like before."

He also explained that the commission will present proposals to reform various aspects of local governance, including laws, structures, and service delivery systems.

The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Manikganj, Dr. Manowar Hossain Molla, and saw the participation of several key figures, including Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Waris, Upazila Executive Officer Md. Kamrul Hasan Sohag, and members of the Election Commission.

During the event, speakers criticized the previous government’s handling of local elections, accusing it of politicizing the process by assigning party symbols and manipulating votes to ensure that party candidates won. 

They stressed the need to abandon these practices and focus on holding fair, impartial elections.

The consultation meeting, organized by the Local Government Reform Commission, was attended by 103 participants, including former local representatives, members of political parties, and professionals from various sectors. 

The overall sentiment was that moving forward, elections should be free of party influences and fair to all candidates.