The Election Commission (EC) has begun preparations for the next local government elections, with the aim of holding the polls in a free, fair, neutral and participatory manner, LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told parliament yesterday.
Responding to a question from Sheikh Md Rezaul Islam, MP for Naogaon-6, during the question-and-answer session of the parliament, Mirza Fakhrul, also in-charge of the EC Secretariat, said the commission had already initiated the necessary preparations to conduct the elections within the stipulated timeframe.
"The Election Commission has started the required preparations to ensure that the local government elections are held in a free, fair and impartial manner. The commission is prepared to organize a credible and participatory election on schedule," he said.
The parliamentary session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal.
Meanwhile, a source close to Fakhrul, wishing to remain anonymous, said the government is aiming to begin the local government election process in September or October this year through a phased voting schedule.
When contacted by Dhaka Tribune, Election Commission officials declined to comment on the reported timeline, saying they were not in a position to make any remarks before an official decision is announced.
In response to a separate question from National Citizen Party (NCP) lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah on voting rights for Bangladeshis living abroad, Mirza Fakhrul said the EC has, for the first time, introduced an IT-supported postal ballot registration system for expatriate voters.
He said the system would remain in place for the upcoming parliamentary election and that the commission is working to bring as many expatriate Bangladeshis as possible under the initiative.
Replying to another question from Gaibandha-2 MP Abdul Karim, the local government minister said the government has no plans at present to increase the salaries and allowances of Union Parishad chairpersons and members.
On the role of members of parliament in district councils, Mirza Fakhrul said that under the District Council Act, 2000, elected MPs from the respective districts will serve as advisers to the district councils and provide guidance in carrying out their functions.
Although discussions over the timing of the next local government elections have intensified in political circles, the Election Commission has yet to announce any official schedule. The commission's refusal to comment on the reported September-October timeframe means the formal election roadmap is still awaited.
