PM: No party, govt interference in local polls

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said neither the government nor his party will interfere in the upcoming local government elections, urging potential candidates to reach out to voters.
He made the remarks at an organisational meeting at Radisson Blu Chattogram in the city on Tuesday night, according to leaders who attended the meeting.
Chaired by Chattogram City BNP Convener and Chattogram-8 MP Ershad Ullah, the meeting was conducted by the unit’s Member Secretary, Nazimur Rahman. Around 500 leaders and activists from BNP units in Chattogram city and the north and south districts attended.
Tarique said there would be no interference from the government or the party in the local polls, adding that practices seen in the past would not be tolerated.
“Those who want to contest the elections must go to the people. At the same time, the party must select someone who has the ability to win through the people’s votes,” he said.
The prime minister outlined two key expectations of party leaders and activists, stressing the need to maintain peace and order and secure public support in the elections.
He said efforts to improve law and order, tackle drug-related problems and curb theft and other crimes must reflect people’s expectations.
“If you want drug problems in your area to decrease, if you want the law and order situation to improve, and if you want to reduce the activities of thieves and fraudsters, that desire must come from you. It cannot be achieved through administrative measures alone,” he said.
Tarique urged party members to stand against injustice and help prevent crime, while warning them not to take the law into their own hands. Instead, they should work with the administration, law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions to ensure public safety and address local problems.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of BNP leaders and activists who continued their political activities despite obstacles and pressure over the past 17 years, urging them to learn from past experiences and perform their responsibilities more effectively.
On party organisation, Tarique called for greater unity, stronger grassroots activities and careful consideration of local circumstances before decisions were made. He stressed that local leaders’ views must be taken into account.
“No decision should be taken by bypassing the president, general secretary or other responsible leaders of a local unit. Decisions must be made through discussions and coordination with local leadership,” he said.
Acknowledging that differences of opinion were natural within a political party, he urged members to resolve disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding.
He warned that internal divisions could hamper organisational activities and give political opponents an opportunity to exploit disagreements.
Tarique also urged party leaders and activists to remain vigilant against conspiracies and misinformation and to implement party decisions in a coordinated manner.