Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said individuals associated with the Awami League would be allowed to contest the upcoming local government elections, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and do not campaign on behalf of the party.

He made the remarks while responding to a question on whether the government would allow the Awami League — whose organisational activities are currently banned — to participate in the local government polls.

Dr Zahed was speaking at a press conference held at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the Secretariat on the progress of various government activities.

He said there would be no obstacle for individuals to contest the elections, as the local government polls would be held on a non-party basis.

“There is no problem at all. If a person wants to participate in the election and fulfils the required criteria, he or she can contest,” he said.

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Replying to a question regarding candidates who may still hold positions within the Awami League, the adviser said such positions could not be used in any official or political capacity as the party’s organisational activities remain prohibited.

“Since the organisational activities of the Awami League are banned, those positions cannot be used. However, as individuals, anyone who fulfils the necessary criteria and wishes to contest the election may do so,” he added.

He said the government had no reason to prevent any eligible individual from taking part in the local government elections.