No Educational Qualification Required for Local Elections: State Minister Shahe Alam
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mr. Mir Shahe Alam has clarified that there is no mandatory educational requirement to participate in local government elections, urging prospective candidates not to be confused by ongoing discussions. Addressing journalists following a meeting between LGRD Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan and Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Reto Renggli, the State Minister emphasized that educational attainment will not act as an obstacle for individuals holding legal qualifications to run. He further added that the Election Commission retains the ultimate authority to determine candidate eligibility based on existing laws and regulations.
Concerning the eligibility of MPO-enrolled teachers to contest local government polls, Mr. Mir Shahe Alam stated that the final decision rests with the Election Commission after reviewing relevant election laws and Ministry of Education policies. He noted that if necessary, the matter may be referred to the Local Government Ministry for legal interpretation in consultation with the Law Ministry. The State Minister firmly asserted that there is no scope to shift responsibility for MPO teacher candidacies onto any political party, reminding observers that current opposition factions were represented in Parliament when the relevant legislation was passed.
Reiterating previous policy announcements made on September 10 at the Secretariat, the State Minister confirmed that upcoming local government elections will proceed without partisan symbols or official party nominations. While any eligible candidate from any party can legally participate, candidates will run without party symbols. Nevertheless, the question of local party endorsements remains separate, with the BNP reportedly planning to field locally supported candidates through respective upazila units, such as designating supported contenders for individual unions.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Mir Shahe Alam assured that the government will maintain a hands-off approach regarding the Election Commission while fulfilling its primary duty to assist in holding a free, fair, and impartial election. He stressed that both local and central administrations will extend necessary administrative support to ensure all valid candidates can campaign safely. The government remains fully committed to facilitating an environment where the electoral process operates smoothly and transparently without executive interference.
