BNP on Monday expressed surprise over the Cabinet’s approval to the proposed drafts of laws seeking to hold local government polls on party line and urged the government not to go for the amendment.

The party also termed ill-motivated the government’s plan to hold local government polls on partisan basis, saying the regime is trying
to keep the opposition out of politics and election by arranging local polls in such a manner.

“We’re surprised as the proposals for holding all the local government polls under party banner and symbol has been approved by the Cabinet. We’ve earlier opposed the government’s such plan and demanded taking opinions of all concerned as it’s a very important
issue,” said BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon.

Speaking at a press briefing, he further said, “Ignoring our demand, the government has hurriedly taken the Cabinet’s approval to amend five laws in this connection. We think the approved proposals are contradictory and impractical, and it will harm the social harmony of the people of Bangladesh.”

Earlier in the day, the Cabinet approved drafts seeking amendments to four laws and one ordinance, aiming to hold local government polls on partisan basis or through party symbol or independently.

The decision, subject to the Law Ministry’s vetting, was taken at the regular weekly meeting of the Cabinet held at Bangladesh Secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

Ripon said their party thinks the government has an evil plan behind holding the partisan local government elections sidetracking the
opposition’s demand for holding an inclusive national election. “So, we demand the government refrain from amending the laws and
promulgating any ordinance in this connection.”

The BNP leader said their many leaders and activists have long been on the run facing many political cases and warrants for their arrest.

Under the circumstances, he said if the local government polls are held under party banner opposition leaders and activists will not be
able to participate in the electioneering.

“The government is trying to hold the local government polls in January-5 election style for ensuring the victory of their party
candidates by any means and thus they will try to make the foreigners understand that people support their party and administration,” Ripon observed.

UNB/LY