The government’s decision to appoint administrators – most of them reportedly affiliated with BNP politics – to 14 more district councils has intensified concerns over delays in local government elections, with political parties questioning its commitment to holding timely polls.
The latest appointments, including in Dhaka, follow an earlier move on 15 March when administrators were assigned to 42 district councils. Administrators have also already been placed in city corporations, effectively bringing most local government bodies under unelected control.
Following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, most mayors, chairmen, and councillors went into hiding.
In response, the interim administration removed elected representatives from 12 city corporations, 330 municipalities, 497 upazilas, and all 64 district councils.
With the exception of union parishads, nearly all tiers of local government are now being run by appointed administrators, raising concerns over disruptions in civic services and accountability.
Political parties have increasingly demanded a clear election roadmap. NCP has already announced candidates for upcoming city corporation polls.
At a press conference, NCP Convener and MP Nahid Islam said the appointment of administrators has curtailed public participation and accountability. “People are being deprived of their right to elect their representatives. Elections must be held without delay,” he said.
NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain called for all local government elections to be completed within six months and urged that administrators be barred from contesting. He also demanded that polls be held under a reformed ordinance without party symbols or nominations.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami strongly criticised the move, with Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad alleging that the BNP is “capturing areas by installing administrators,” likening it to land grabbing and warning of attempts to influence elections.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh Joint Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman said delaying polls for partisan gain reflects “fascist tendencies” and urged timely elections without pretexts.
However, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam attributed the delay to legal complexities, noting that new ordinances governing local elections must be passed before the process can begin. He maintained that the government intends to hold elections soon.
Abdur Rahmanel Masud said discussions are ongoing, adding that while elections are expected in the near future, the sequence will depend on practical considerations.
