AL men to contest independently

Awami League leaders and activists currently residing in the country will be eligible to contest upcoming local government elections as independent candidates, provided they meet the legal requirements, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing at the Secretariat, the adviser said there is no legal obstacle preventing individual Awami League members from participating in local elections, despite the party’s organisational activities remaining banned.

“There is absolutely no problem,” Zahed Ur Rahman told reporters when asked whether Awami League members would be allowed to take part in future local body polls.

He, however, drew a distinction between individual participation and campaigning on behalf of a banned political organisation.

“There is no problem with any individual contesting the election. However, it will be an issue if someone uses the name, slogans or organisational identity of a banned organisation, including the Awami League, during their campaign,” he said.

The adviser noted that local government elections are conducted on a non-partisan basis, meaning candidates are not required to contest under a political party banner.

“As an individual, if anyone fulfils the existing legal criteria and wishes to contest the election, they may do so. There is no reason for the government to create any obstacle,” he added.

The remarks provide fresh clarity regarding the participation of former Awami League members in local government elections following the party’s exclusion from national electoral politics.

Awami League was barred from contesting the February 2026 general election following the political developments that unfolded after the July 2024 student-led uprising, which ended the 15-year rule of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Hasina later left the country and was subsequently convicted on charges related to her government’s handling of the protests.

Political observers view Tuesday’s statement as signalling a limited opportunity for grassroots Awami League supporters and former party activists to re-enter the electoral process through independent candidacies, while restrictions on party-based political activities remain in place.

During the same briefing, Zahed Ur Rahman said local government elections are expected to begin toward the end of 2026. He added that once the process starts, completing elections across all local government bodies could take between 10 months and one year.

Zahed Ur Rahman, a physician, columnist and political analyst, was appointed adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in February 2026. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Rahman, secured a two-thirds majority in Parliament in the 12 February general election.