MPO teachers can participate in local govt elections: Law minister

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman Asad on Monday said there was no legal bar preventing teachers receiving monthly pay order (MPO) benefits from joining the local government elections, adding that they could participate as they had in the past.
The government is optimistic about holding free and fair local government elections, he said while speaking to journalists after inaugurating a new building at the Primary Teachers Training Institute in Jhenaidah.
The issue has come into focus following the Election Commission’s recommendations to amend local government laws, including proposals to bar MPO-listed teachers from contesting local government elections. The proposed restrictions drew criticism from opposition parties.
Asked about former State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain’s resignation from the cabinet, Asaduzzaman said the prime minister would make the final decision if anyone acted against public expectations. “No one is above the law,” he added.
Responding to criticism from opposition parties over the appointment of fertiliser dealers, the minister said the appointments had been made across the country in accordance with the prescribed legal procedures, denying any irregularities.
Earlier, Asaduzzaman attended a management committee meeting of the 250-bed Jhenaidah General Hospital as the chief guest. The meeting discussed ways to improve healthcare services and the hospital’s overall management.
Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Rashed Khan, Jhenaidah District BNP President and District Council Administrator MA Majid, district BNP General Secretary Zahiduzzaman Mona, Jubo Dal Central Committee Joint General Secretary Asaduzzaman, Deputy Commissioner Md Noman Hossain, Superintendent of Police Mia Mohammad Ashish Bin Hasan, Civil Surgeon Dr Md Kamruzzaman and other officials and political leaders were present.