Anyone can contest the local government elections: Dr. Zahed

The local government elections will be held on a non-partisan basis, and any individual can participate subject to fulfilling the designated criteria, stated Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, the Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser.

He made this statement on Tuesday (June 9) while responding to questions from journalists at a press briefing held in the conference room of the Press Information Department at the Secretariat.

Dr. Zahed explained that the local government elections will not use party symbols but will instead be contested based on personal identity. If any individual wishes to participate in the election, the government will not create any obstacles.
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He further added that since the activities of the Awami League are currently banned, there is no scope to participate in the election using the party's name, positions, or titles. However, if an individual contests under their own identity, regardless of their political affiliation, there will be no barriers to their participation in the election.

Regarding the Teesta River management, the Information Adviser mentioned that the government plans to undertake a project to store water by constructing a Teesta Barrage, modeled after the Padma Barrage. This initiative aims to conserve water coming from India during the monsoon season for use during the dry season.

He indicated that constructing the barrage or reservoir in the Teesta area could cost around 20,000 crore BDT. The Government of Bangladesh is capable of funding this project through its own resources. However, if any country wishes to cooperate, that opportunity will also remain open.