DCC polls likely in early 2015

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has dropped a hint that the much-awaited election to the two Dhaka city corporations (DCC) is likely to be held early next year. She gave the indication during a weekly Cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon when she sent back a proposal that sought extension of the tenure of the DCC administrators to 1 year from 6 months. The PM, however, did not specify exactly when the elections would take place. According to Election Commission officials, the EC needs around 35 to 45 days to announce election schedule after completing necessary preparations for holding the DCC polls. A competent source at the local government and rural development (LGRD) ministry said the long overdue election to the bifurcated DCC is likely to take place in April. Cabinet sources say when the LGRD ministry tabled the proposal to extend the DCC administrators’ tenure, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader opposed the proposal saying the move would send a negative message to people about the party and the government. The minister recommended that the government hold the DCC polls as early as possible since the elections were long due and it would not be right to run the city corporations by administrators for a long time. A number of cabinet colleagues also supported Quader, the sources said. However, a few ministers expressed their dissent saying ruling party was not in a position to hold the elections and party-supported candidates might concede defeat. At this stage, the Prime Minister joined the discussion and said she also agreed with the idea of holding the long delayed elections. She added the election would take place early next year and directed the LGRD ministry to take necessary measures to that end. According to the meeting sources, Hasina further said there would be victory and defeat in every election and polls should not be deferred or skipped in fear of defeat. The last time the polls were held in 2002 and since then no election was held to the city corporation, according to a news agency.