AL men not involved in genocide can contest polls after apology: Adviser Asif
“The issue of not having elected representatives in local government institutions is a daily problem for us," says the adviser
While the genocide committed by AL is internationally recognised and punishment for it should be ensured, those party members not involved in the crimes can apologise and return to the mainstream politics, Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan said today (18 February).
In response to a query at the sixth session of the third and final day of the DC Conference, held at Osmani Memorial Hall in the capital, Asif said, "If AL members want to contest elections, there will be no obstruction. But, if they are accused of mass killing, they will not be allowed to participate in the elections under any circumstances."
On the kind of punishment for AL, he said it would be decided after everyone's opinion.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
On the decision of whether to hold a national or local polls first, the adviser said this would be announced soon.
"The issue of not having elected representatives in local government institutions is a daily problem for us. Most of our officers are working in additional responsibilities at various local government agencies.
"We constantly hear from them that they need administrators or elections," he said.
The adviser further stated, "When an officer has to handle two or three responsibilities, it becomes very difficult for one person to manage all of them at once.
"Personally, I believe that local government elections should be held to bring in real elected representatives. The issue was also discussed in the last consensus meeting."
Asif Mahmud said, "A decision will be made soon. It could either be the election of representatives, or we may manage the local government institutions through appointing administrators."
Asked whether it would be better for local government elections to be held before the national elections, he said, "It would certainly be beneficial. We have to run the country, and it is evident that local government institutions can play a significant role in organising a successful national election."
