JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI STRENGTHENS FIELD PREPARATION AHEAD OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

PNN News Desk. Dhaka

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has intensified its organizational preparations across the country ahead of the possible upcoming local government elections.

Party sources say preparations for city corporations, municipalities, upazilas, and union parishads are already significantly underway, including candidate selection and field-level activities.

Although no official candidates have been announced, potential nominees have been instructed to increase public engagement and remain active in their respective areas.

The government has indicated that local government elections may begin in phases from December, and the Election Commission is also reportedly advancing necessary legal and regulatory reforms.

However, Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to appoint administrators in various local government bodies instead of holding elections.

Party leaders argue that although expectations were high for local government elections soon after the national parliamentary elections, administrative appointments are being used instead, which they say is inconsistent with democratic practices.

According to party sources, informal lists of potential mayoral candidates for several major city corporations have already been prepared. These individuals are actively engaging in social and public welfare activities to strengthen ties with local residents.

Additionally, lists of potential chairmen, vice-chairmen, councilors, and members for municipalities, upazilas, and union councils are in the final stages of preparation. Clean image, public engagement, and organizational acceptability are being prioritized in candidate selection.

Jamaat’s Central Election Committee Chairman and Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum said that local government institutions should be run by elected representatives, as it reflects the constitutional spirit. He criticized the appointment of administrators instead of elections, saying it does not meet public expectations.

He further stated that Jamaat intends to support candidates who are honest, competent, and dedicated to public welfare, and called for the early announcement of election schedules.

Political analysts believe that Jamaat’s increased field activity, along with that of other major political parties, signals rising competition in the country’s political landscape ahead of local government elections.