No party symbol in local polls: LGRC

MANIKGANJ, Jan 14 (UNB): Professor Dr. Tofail Ahmed, head of the Local Government Reform Commission (LGRC), has said local elections will no longer be conducted using party symbols.
He made the remark on Tuesday during a local government reform discussion meeting at the Singair Upazila Parishad conference hall in Manikganj.
He said, "We have held discussions with our stakeholders and taken their advice. Based on their suggestions, positive changes will be made in all areas. Local elections will no longer be held with party symbols, as done in the past."
He also mentioned proposals regarding laws, structures, and service activities related to local government reforms will be presented.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dr. 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 the previous government had politicised local elections, allocated party symbols, and manipulated votes to ensure victory for party candidates, thereby ruining the electoral system.
They emphasised the need to move away from this situation and organize fair elections.
The meeting, organised by the Local Government Reform Commission, was attended by 103 representatives from various professions, including former local representatives and political party members.