Abu Jakir :
A renewed debate has taken hold in the country’s political arena, centering on whether parliamentary or local government elections should take precedence.
The government and most political parties strongly oppose the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP’s) stance, which advocates for local elections only after parliamentary polls. In contrast, other stakeholders believe local elections should be prioritized.
Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus recently stated that the interim government is preparing for both parliamentary and local elections simultaneously.
This statement has further fuelled discussions, with the Local Government Reform Commission (LGRC) emphasising public demand for grassroots-level voting before national elections.
The BNP maintains that the interim government’s primary focus should be facilitating parliamentary elections, citing historical precedents where caretaker governments prioritised national polls.
However, the BNP’s argument faces criticism, as past administrations, including those under Ziaur Rahman and Hussain Muhammad Ershad, conducted local elections ahead of parliamentary polls.
For instance, Ershad’s military government held union council elections in 1984 and upazila elections in 1985 before conducting parliamentary elections in 1986. Similarly, during the 1/11 interim period, municipal and city corporation elections gained significant attention.
Dr. Tofail Ahmed, chairman of the Local Government Reform Commission, has proposed a unified legal framework to streamline simultaneous elections for all local government bodies. He also recommends reducing MPs’ influence over local governance.
“When visiting areas outside Dhaka, I see that people prioritise local elections. They feel a void and believe elections are urgently needed,” he remarked.
Other political groups also weigh in on the issue. Jamaat-e-Islami, another major player, has not explicitly declared its stance but appears inclined towards holding local elections first.
Jamaat leaders argue that success in local polls could boost their morale ahead of parliamentary elections.
Additionally, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, led by student leaders from recent uprisings, has strongly advocated for prioritising local elections, citing their importance for public service delivery and testing administrative readiness.
BNP’s Concerns and Allegations
The BNP has expressed concerns about the potential for violence and instability if local elections are held under the interim government. In a recent Standing Committee meeting, BNP leaders resolved not to succumb to pressure and reiterated the need for national election-focused policies.
They fear that local elections before parliamentary polls could create opportunities for pro-government groups to dominate local governance, backed by state sponsorship.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Secretary General, accused the interim government of engaging in an unhealthy competition for power. “Since Hasina fled, we’ve struggled to regain confidence and unity. Now, we’re witnessing an unhealthy race to cling to power,” he said during a public address.
Challenges in Local Governance
The absence of elected representatives has severely disrupted public services across Bangladesh. Following the overthrow of the Awami League government in August, the interim administration dismissed mayors, councilors, and chairpersons from city corporations, district councils, and upazila councils. Administrative officials have since assumed these roles, leading to a significant decline in public service delivery.
Samanta Sharmin, spokesperson for the Nagorik Committee, argued that local elections are crucial to addressing these issues. “The absence of elected representatives has severely affected public services, and the government is bearing the blame. Local elections would also allow us to test whether reforms are effective before the national polls,” she stated.
While the interim government has retained union councils, it faces significant challenges. Many council chairpersons and members are inactive or on the run, largely due to political affiliations with the Awami League, BNP, or Jamaat. The BNP has called for dissolving these councils but insists local elections must only take place after parliamentary polls.
Looking Ahead
As the debate rages on, stakeholders remain divided over the path forward. With public demand and political maneuvering influencing decisions, the sequence of elections in Bangladesh will have far-reaching implications for governance and political stability in the coming months.
