Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed her ruling party leaders to select a single candidate in each upazila for the upcoming elections as the BNP-led 19-party alliance is likely to participate in the local polls.
The Awami League chief also asked her cabinet colleagues and senior party leaders to look after their workers and supporters who were affected in attacks by opposition activists during and after the January 5 general elections.
Hasina gave the directives at a cabinet meeting yesterday after finishing discussion on the regular agenda on the table, a senior cabinet member told the Dhaka Tribune.
The minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Hasina asked the ruling party leaders to nominate only one candidate in each upazila to contest next month’s elections. She also requested them to work together for the nominee to win.
“It is an image-building election for the new government as it took charge following controversial and unilateral polls. So, the present government is trying to hold the local polls free and fair to make them acceptable to all national and international communities,” the minister said.
Hasina also enquired after the condition of affected party activities, and asked party leaders to help the injured with their treatment and rehabilitation. The PM assured them that assistance for the victims would be provided from government funds.
Meanwhile, during the cabinet meeting, the PM asked the information minister about the preparation work for a unified national broadcasting policy.
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu informed her that the draft of the policy was finalised, and would be placed before the cabinet soon for approval. Hasina then directed him to update the policy after taking opinions from the ministers concerned.
The also PM enquired about the progress in the construction of a four-lane Dhaka-Chittagong highway, repair works of road networks across the country and construction of international link roads.
She directed Communication Minister Obaidul Quader to ensure the works are completed as soon as possible.
“The PM gave emphasis on producing electricity by building more hydroelectric stations. Such power stations could be set up in neighbouring countries, if found viable,” another minister said.