BNP undecided on Awami League's participation in local government polls

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has yet to reach a definitive position on whether the currently banned Awami League should be allowed to participate in the upcoming local government elections.

Discussions with the party's central and grassroots leaders reveal conflicting views on the issue. While some believe Awami League members should be allowed to contest in their individual capacities, others argue that no party leaders or activists should be permitted to run until the ban on the party is officially lifted.

If everything proceeds as planned, local government elections are expected to be held across the country in phases beginning in September or October, after the end of the monsoon season. As the elections approach, the possibility of the banned Awami League participating has once again become a major topic of political discussion.

The debate intensified following a recent remark by Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman. Although he later softened his position on the Awami League's political activities and electoral participation, his earlier comments sparked widespread discussion.

On June 10, the information adviser said that Awami League leaders and activists would be able to participate in the local government elections. His remarks triggered strong political reactions. Several BNP leaders told various media outlets that the statement reflected his personal opinion and did not represent the official position of either the government or the party.

Following Zahed Ur Rahman's comments, discussions within different levels of the BNP over the Awami League's participation in the local government elections gained renewed momentum. On the one hand, party leaders emphasize the need for elections to be competitive and inclusive. On the other, they stress the importance of taking into account the ongoing judicial proceedings against the Awami League as well as public sentiment.

What BNP Leaders Are Saying

Speaking to Asia Post, BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan said, "The local government system is the foundation of grassroots democracy and public empowerment. Therefore, these elections should remain free from partisan political influence. Under the current law, anyone can contest in their individual capacity. As such, whether a particular political party participates is less important than ensuring free, fair, and credible elections that serve the interests of local people."

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu told Asia Post, "The government's decision is to hold non-partisan elections. Therefore, everyone has the right to contest. However, the Awami League is currently a banned political party. As long as the legal ban remains in place, I do not believe it has the right to participate in the elections. The ban must first be lifted through legal means before the party can become eligible to contest."

BNP Chairperson's Adviser Zainul Abdin Farroque said, "Those who destroyed democracy over the past 16 years and turned the country into a hub of corruption under the guise of development have been banned as a consequence of their own actions. Since the Awami League is now a prohibited party, allowing it to participate in the elections without government approval would not be appropriate."

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told Asia Post, "The Awami League is a banned political party. As long as the ban remains in force, it has no opportunity to participate in local government elections."

Another adviser to the BNP chairperson, Advocate Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, said, "Local government elections are not being held under party symbols. Therefore, if someone contests as an individual and the local people raise no objections, the BNP does not support depriving anyone of their political rights through the use of force. If a candidate has not been involved in wrongdoing in the area over the past several years, the public is unlikely to oppose that person's candidacy."

Mainul Islam, a member of the BNP National Executive Committee, said, "The Awami League ruled the country in an authoritarian manner over the past 16 years, which is why it ultimately had to flee the country. The party has shown no remorse for its actions. The people of Bangladesh have not accepted its conduct. Before anything else, it must apologize to the public. Ultimately, it is the people who will decide whether the party deserves to participate in elections."

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a BNP leader and lawyer said, "No final legal decision has yet been made regarding the Awami League's participation. If the court issues any directive on the matter, it will have to be taken into consideration. However, because of its past actions, there remains strong public resentment toward the party."

Grassroots Leaders Express Concerns

The issue has also generated concern among BNP leaders at the district and upazila levels. According to grassroots leaders, allowing the Awami League to participate in the elections could create various political and law-and-order challenges. They also fear that, in some areas, Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens' Party (NCP) could indirectly cooperate with the Awami League.

Mehedi Hasan Palash, President of Banchharampur Upazila BNP in Brahmanbaria, told Asia Post, "The government will decide whether the Awami League will be allowed to contest. However, only a short time has passed since the party was banned. The bloodshed of the July uprising is still fresh. Given the recent political developments, allowing the Awami League to participate in elections at this moment would not be appropriate."

Awaiting a Final Decision

According to party sources, the BNP's policymaking forum has not yet reached a final decision on the matter. Ahead of the local government elections, the party is closely monitoring the overall political situation, the Election Commission's preparations, the law-and-order situation, and the positions of other political parties. An official party position is expected to be announced after these factors are carefully assessed.

Several BNP leaders told Asia Post that, alongside the legal debate over the banned Awami League's participation, the party is intensifying its organizational preparations for the local government elections. The process of selecting potential candidates, gathering opinions from grassroots leaders, and formulating electoral strategies is already well underway. However, although discussions regarding the Awami League's participation continue within the party, no final decision has yet been reached.