Ashraf ‘changes’ position on partisan local polls

The LGRD Minister has changed his speech saying the government has no desire for holding the election under party banner

After a day of hinting local body election holding as partisan basis, LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam has changed his speech saying the government has no desire for holding the election under party banner.

Syed Ashfar, also secretary of Awami League told yesterday, to the parliament in a written speech while answering to Awami League lawmaker M Abdul Latif: “The government has no plan to hold Union Parishad, Upazila Parishad, District Council, Municipality and City Corporation election in party basis at present.”

On Monday, in a party meeting, Ashraf hint for holing local body election in partisan mood, saying that Prime Minister had instructed him to take initiative for amending local body law.

He raised questions: “What is the point in not participating in local body polls with party symbols? Why is this hide and seek?”

“ There is no such dual policy anywhere else in the world,” he said.

He added  it was important to change the law to make the local government bodies effective.

In the answer of the question of Jatiya Party lawmaker Pir Fazlur Rahman, LGRD Minister said that it was the duty of election commission to hold City Corporation election.

“According to article 35 of Local government (City Corporation) Law-2009, election commission’s duty is to hold City Corporation election. The commission will conduct the poll under its rules,” he said.

Peer Fazlur Rahman asked the Minister if government had planned to hold Dhaka City Corporation Election.

Law Minister Anisul Haque said there was no fixed timetable from the government.

Source: Dhaka Tribune