No party symbols in local body polls: Reform commission chief

Prof Tofail Ahmed, head of the Local Government Reform Commission, has said the local government elections will no longer be conducted using symbols of the political parties.

He made the announcement while addressing a discussion meeting held at Singair Upazila Parishad conference hall in Manikganj on Tuesday.

“We have engaged in discussion with stakeholders and considered their advice. Based on their suggestions, positive changes will be brought accurse all areas. From now on, local body elections will be held without party symbols,” he said.  

UNB Adds: He also mentioned that proposals regarding laws, structures, and service activities related to local government reforms will be presented.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Monowar Hossain Mollah.

During the event, speeches were delivered by Additional Police Superintendent Mohammad Wares, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Kamrul Hasan Sohag, and members of the Election Commission.

Speakers said that the previous government had politicized local elections, allocated party symbols, and manipulated votes to ensure victory for party candidates, thereby ruining the electoral system. They emphasized the need to move away from this situation and organize fair elections.

The meeting, organized by the Local Government Reform Commission, was attended by 103 representatives from various professions, including former local representatives and political party members.