The government has announced plans to begin local government elections in the first half of October, while asserting that campaigns and statements by Awami League leaders staying in India will not destabilise the country.
Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman disclosed the election timeline at the weekly press briefing held at the Department of Information conference room at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
He also strongly condemned the bomb attack on a National Citizens Party (NCP) rally in Savar, describing the incident as "very sad" and assuring that those responsible would be brought to justice.
"The government's highest priority is to conduct a fair investigation, identify the perpetrators and ensure their swift prosecution," he said.
Referring to remarks made by NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam after the blast, Dr Zahed said those were political statements and Nahid had every right to express his views. However, he expected greater restraint from a leader who had played a significant role in the country's popular uprising.
Responding to questions over the lack of arrests, the adviser noted that less than 24 hours had passed since the incident and investigations require time. He said law enforcement agencies were making every effort to apprehend those involved.
On local government elections, Dr Zahed said the Election Commission has prepared separate roadmaps for Union Parishad, Upazila Parishad, municipality and city corporation polls. The roadmaps are expected to be finalised and published by the end of July, while election schedules are likely to be announced in the second half of August.
According to the preliminary plan, Union Parishad elections will commence in the first half of October.
He said polling schedules would take into account geographical and seasonal factors, including haor and northeastern regions, coastal belts, riverine areas and the plains, so that as many elections as possible could be held during the dry and winter seasons.
Dr Zahed said there had been considerable debate over whether local government elections would be held because administrators had been appointed to many local bodies. However, he stressed that the government had consistently maintained that the elections would begin this year.
Once the process starts, elections will be conducted in phases over 10 to 12 months and are expected to be completed by October 2027, he added.
Replying to questions about statements by Awami League leaders staying in India, Dr Zahed said such campaigns would not create significant instability in Bangladesh.
"The Awami League no longer possesses the moral authority or organisational capacity to destabilise the country," he said, although attempts could be made to influence some individuals through financial means.
He also noted that many Awami League leaders currently in India face criminal cases, arrest warrants or convictions, adding that Bangladesh would continue efforts to bring them back through legal channels.
Clarifying the party's legal status, the adviser said the Awami League itself had not been banned, but its political activities remain suspended pending a court decision. If the restriction is lifted, the party would be able to resume political activities.
On the trial of crimes against humanity involving Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Zahed said he did not have updated information on the current status of the cases but saw no reason for the proceedings to be halted. He said he would verify the matter and provide an update later.
Addressing reports surrounding the recent deaths in the Turag River, he said the government was investigating the incident in which several Awami League leaders and activists reportedly died while fleeing during an operation.
Describing the deaths as tragic, he said preliminary findings suggest the victims drowned while attempting to escape. However, he said a comprehensive investigation would determine whether anyone bore responsibility.
"The lives of Awami League workers are equally valuable," he said, urging everyone to uphold the rule of law.
Regarding proposals discussed during the Prime Minister's recent visit to China, including a regional corridor and the development of Mongla and Anwara ports, Dr Zahed said the government was carefully examining the proposals. Any decision, he said, would be guided by economic viability, national interest and regional realities, including the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
On combating misinformation, the adviser acknowledged that more work was needed. He said the government was forming a dedicated team to respond rapidly to false information through photo cards, videos and other communication tools to ensure accurate information reaches the public without delay.
