Grassroots politicians from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) have intensified their activities ahead of upcoming local government polls, using the festive atmosphere of Eid-ul-Fitr as a strategic platform.
Field reports and enquiries from various parts of the country reveal that local leaders have launched multi-faceted campaigns, including the distribution of posters, banners, and festoons featuring their names.
Many have also scheduled week-long area-based programmes starting from Eid day to strengthen their presence through small rallies and public relations. This surge in activity follows directives from central party leadership to begin electoral preparations.
The momentum was further spurred by a recent statement from Minister for Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives, and BNP Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who expressed the government’s intent to organise local government elections within this year.
Phased elections anticipated
Political leaders anticipate that the elections for Upazila, Union Parishad, City Corporation, and District Councils will be held in phases. Consequently, they have accelerated efforts to reorganise grassroots units and increase the visibility of potential candidates.
However, dissatisfaction has emerged within Jamaat and the NCP regarding the appointment of administrators to District Councils and City Corporations.
These parties allege that the government is installing administrators to exert administrative control, which could unfairly influence the election results.
Party preparations
Advocate Syed Sabirul Haque, president of Jashore District BNP, told TIMES that while specific central instructions are yet to be issued, candidates have already taken to the field.
“Increasing public relations during Eid is a natural political move. Our activists are conducting preparatory campaigns alongside exchanging Eid greetings,” he said.
Jamaat-e-Islami has already issued messages to its grassroots to prepare for local polls and has completed the primary selection of candidates for Upazila and Union Parishad levels.
Golam Kuddus, assistant secretary and election director of Jashore District Jamaat, noted that the party is capitalising on the Eid period to maximise public outreach.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) is also active in its preparations. The new party, which won six seats out of the 29 it contested in alliance with Jamaat during the last parliamentary election, has formed a dedicated team to manage local election matters.
NCP Joint Chief Coordinator Arifur Rahman Tuhin confirmed to TIMES that his team has already commenced its work.
The current political landscape follows the 12 February elections, where the BNP-led alliance secured a two-thirds majority to form the government.
The Jamaat-led alliance, including the NCP, now serves as the main opposition in the National Parliament, having secured a record number of seats.
