Bangladesh Speaker Urges Electoral Overhaul, Highlights Bhola Gas Potential
BHOLA, Oct. 22 — Bangladesh Parliament Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has called for sweeping reforms to the electoral system, saying the next local government elections should be free, fair and impartial.
Speaking to journalists at the Bhola Circuit House on Thursday, Ahmed said elections had not been conducted fairly over the past 17 years. He stressed the need to create conditions in which ordinary citizens could contest elections without being disadvantaged by a lack of financial resources.
The Election Commission should introduce a system that allows candidates with public support and social credibility to participate, even if they are not wealthy, he said.
Drawing on his political experience, Ahmed also said he saw little prospect of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina returning to Bangladesh within the next decade. He alleged that the political environment under the Awami League government had made it difficult for honest, capable and neutral individuals to contest elections.
He said fundamental changes to the electoral system were necessary to ensure broader participation and restore fairness to the process.
Speaker highlights Bhola’s natural gas potential
Ahmed also underscored Bhola’s natural gas reserves, saying the district had significant deposits and could hold additional resources.
He said local residents had long sought access to the gas, describing it as a legitimate demand that deserved attention. Ahmed added that he would discuss the issue with the energy minister.
The speaker left Bhola for Dhaka at around 11:30 a.m. Thursday after completing a three-day visit to his constituency, Lalmohan-Tazumuddin.
