With a major victory in the national election on February 12, the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has now shifted its focus to the upcoming local government elections, placing top priority on candidates with clean public images, grassroots acceptability and proven records in past political movements.
Party insiders said aspirants denied nominations in the parliamentary election are likely to receive preference for posts such as Upazila Chairman, City Corporation Mayor and Municipality Mayor.
The party high command has also adopted a tough stance against controversial leaders and those viewed as detached from the public, regardless of their financial strength or political influence.
According to government and BNP sources, elections to Union Parishads, Municipalities, Upazila Parishads, Zila Parishads and City Corporations are expected to begin in phases after the monsoon, with the government aiming to start the entire cycle by the last part of the current year.
The party high command has also taken a tough stance against leaders who are either controversial or disconnected from the public even after having adequate money for contesting the polls.
According to multiple government and BNP sources, local government elections are likely to begin in phases after the end of this year's monsoon season. The government is reportedly planning to complete elections for Union Parishads, Municipalities, Upazila Parishads, Zila Parishads, and City Corporations within the next year.
With the possible election schedule coming into focus, prospective candidates have already become active in their respective areas. Many are intensifying public outreach campaigns, while others are seeking the support of central party leaders.
However, BNP policymakers say that candidate selection will be based more on grassroots realities and public opinion than on personal lobbying.
Party sources said that several rounds of field surveys have already been conducted and the process is still ongoing.
Information regarding each area's organizational strength, public support, personal reputation, and political contributions is being submitted directly to party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Senior BNP leaders said candidate evaluation will primarily focus on three factors: active participation in movements against the previous government, political sacrifices including facing cases and repression, and organizational commitment. In addition, personal integrity, a corruption-free reputation, public acceptability, educational qualifications, leadership ability, and a strong local support base will also be taken into consideration.
According to multiple party sources, the BNP is planning to nominate new faces with clean public images for mayoral positions in city corporations and municipalities. Even long-serving and influential leaders may be denied party backing if they lack public popularity. Those who were deprived of nominations in the 13th parliamentary election despite their sacrifices are expected to receive priority. The party also intends to strike a balance between experienced and younger leaders in finalizing candidates.
Sources further said that Tarique Rahman already has detailed assessments of political activities, organizational performance, and personal reputations of leaders across the country. As a matter of policy, the party has decided not to endorse anyone facing credible allegations of corruption or other serious misconduct.
Speaking to the Daily Observer, BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said, "Local elections are fundamentally people-centered. Since these elections will not be held under party symbols, priority will be given to those who have strong organizational foundations in their own areas and have made significant sacrifices for the party."
Another Standing Committee member, Nazrul Islam Khan, said, "It is natural for a major political party to have many nomination seekers. However, public acceptability, along with dedication and contributions to the party, will be the key considerations. No one will have the opportunity to go against the party's decision."
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, "Tested, trustworthy leaders and activists who have actively participated in political movements and struggles will receive priority. At the same time, the depth of their connection with grassroots supporters and the local community will also be given serious consideration."
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock and BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said the Prime Minister attaches great importance to the local government elections. "He wants credible elections instead of the conflict-ridden polls of the past. Those with clean reputations, public acceptance, and a record of political struggle should be brought forward," he said.
Political analysts believe that following its victory in the national election, the local government polls will serve as a major test of BNP's grassroots popularity. Since the elections will not be held under party symbols, popular independent and non-partisan candidates could emerge as strong competitors. Therefore, alongside political sacrifice, public acceptability will be equally important.
Analysts also argue that if Tarique Rahman's policy of promoting candidates with a "clean image" and proven competence is effectively implemented, while maintaining a balance between senior and younger leadership, the BNP will have an opportunity to cultivate a new generation of local leaders. However, the party's biggest challenge will be managing internal grassroots rivalries and preventing rebel candidates from contesting the elections.
