AL leaders can contest local polls without party campaigning: Adviser Zahed

Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said individuals associated with the Awami League (AL) will be allowed to contest the upcoming local government elections, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and do not campaign on behalf of the party.
He made the remarks while speaking at a press conference on 'the progress of various government activities held at the Press Information Department (PID) at the Secretariat in the capital on Tuesday, in response to a question on whether the government would allow the Awami League -- currently facing a ban on its activities --to participate in the upcoming local government elections.
Dr. Zahed said there would be no obstacle to individuals contesting the polls as the elections would be conducted on a non-party basis.
"There is no problem at all. If a person wants to participate in the election and fulfils the required criteria, he or she can contest," he said.
Replying to a question about candidates who may still hold positions in Awami League, the adviser said as the party's organisational activities remain banned such positions cannot be used in any official or political capacity.
"Since organisational activities of the Awami League are prohibited, those positions cannot be used. However, as individuals, anyone who fulfils the necessary criteria and wishes to contest the election may do so," he said.
He said the government has no reason to prevent any eligible individual from participating in the local government elections.