PM directs swift local government polls
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the holding of local government elections as soon as possible, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said today (9 April).
In this regard, the premier also called for the swift passage of all local government-related laws that the interim government had previously amended, the state minister said while placing the Upazila Parishad (Amendment) Bill 2026 in parliament.
On the same day, amendment bills for three local government bodies – City Corporation, Upazila Parishad, and Municipality – were introduced in the Parliament and passed by voice vote.
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However, opposition members expressed their objection and voted "no" during the passage of these three laws.
The state minister stated that elections cannot be held unless these laws are amended.
Additionally, through the amendment of the law, the system of using party symbols in local government elections has been abolished.
The government has taken the decision to ensure fair, neutral, and competitive elections, he noted.
However, the state minister did not announce any specific date or timeframe for when the local government elections might take place.
