Local polls to be tougher without party symbols

Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has said that local government elections will be more challenging than national polls as they will be held without party symbols.

He made the remarks on Friday (24 April) while speaking as the chief guest at a sports and prize distribution ceremony at Haji Fateh Mohammadia Dakhil Madrasa in Lakshmipur Sadar upazila.

The minister said that while the last national election was challenging, upcoming Union Parishad elections would be even more difficult due to the absence of party symbols.

“There will be no party marks in these elections, which will make the process more complex,” he said.
He also said that the absence of elected local government representatives is creating difficulties in administration at the grassroots level. “Many union representatives are absent or unable to perform their duties, which is affecting development work,” he added.

Anee urged potential candidates to be people-oriented and connected with the public. He said that multiple candidates from the same party could weaken electoral chances, stressing the need for careful selection.

He further said that Union Parishad representatives play a key role in people’s lives, and warned that poor leadership at the local level could create broader public problems.

The event was attended by the minister’s private secretary, local administration officials, and other dignitaries.