People outside the capital are more concerned about local government elections, while national-level politicians remain largely silent on the issue, said Prof Tofail Ahmed, chief  of the Local Government Reform Commission, yesterday.

He was speaking at a views-exchange programme with journalists at the National Institute of Local Government in Agargaon.

"Local leaders of the parties advocating for early national elections are discussing two elections: local government elections and national polls. Some are proposing local government elections first, while others are calling for both elections to be held the same day," he added.

The interim government formed the reform commission on November 18, tasking it with submitting reports within 90 days.

Tofail said locals feel a void in governance, with services disrupted as many representatives went into hiding or were later dismissed post-Hasina's fall on August 5.

Speakers also proposed non-partisan local elections, increased benefits for representatives, limiting MPs' control over local bodies, introducing a "no" vote option, and conducting local elections under a caretaker government, like national polls.

These include holding direct election for only member or councillor posts in local polls. These elected representatives will then select or elect the chairmen or mayors in local government institutions among themselves.

The commission is also considering holding local government elections without party symbols, creating a unified law for all local government institutions, and conducting all such elections on a single day to reduce costs.

Special attention is being given to the hill districts, where Hill District Council elections have not been held since 1989, with obstacles under review. 

At the views exchange programme, speakers also proposed non-partisan local elections, increased benefits for representatives, limiting MPs' control over local bodies, introducing a "no" vote option, and conducting local elections under a caretaker government, like national polls.