Many leaders and activists of the Awami League believe that local government elections should return to a non-party system.

According to several central leaders of the party who are currently staying out of public view, holding local elections without party symbols would make it easier for Awami League members to participate. If elections continue to be held with party symbols, the party may face difficulties joining the process because its political activities remain restricted. However, candidates could still run as independents.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, these leaders said that introducing party symbols in local government elections had been a mistake by the party in the past. In their view, that decision created divisions at the grassroots level and weakened the organization. They believe other political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, are unlikely to repeat the same mistake.

Across the country, there are 12 city corporations, all of which are currently being run by appointed administrators rather than elected representatives. At the lowest tier of local government are union parishads, which number more than 4,500. There are also nearly 500 upazilas and more than 300 municipalities.

At present, none of the local government bodies—from city corporations to union parishads—have elected representatives. This leadership vacuum has existed for around a year and a half, creating various difficulties for citizens seeking public services.

Government sources say the administration is planning to restart local elections beginning with city corporation polls. After that, elections for municipalities, upazila parishads, district councils, and union parishads will be held gradually. The Local Government Division has already sent a formal letter to the Election Commission of Bangladesh requesting preparations for these elections.

Political analyst and writer Mahfuzuddin Ahmed believes local government elections could provide an opportunity for the Awami League, whose activities remain restricted. However, many well-known local leaders of the party may avoid contesting due to fears of harassment.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said at an event at the Election Commission building on March 1 that various local government elections will take place throughout the year starting after Eid al‑Fitr. He added that the commission is waiting for the first session of parliament to decide whether these elections will be held with party symbols or under a non-party system.

Awami League leaders believe elections in professional organizations are comparatively easier to take part in because the influence of party politics there is less intense. In contrast, local government elections require candidate selection, organizational preparation, and extensive grassroots mobilization. Party leaders are planning to begin those preparations after Eid.

According to analyst Mahfuzuddin Ahmed, local government elections could indeed open the door for the Awami League to re-enter electoral politics. Some locally popular figures who were overlooked during the party’s time in power may now see an opportunity to compete.

However, he also noted that participation in local elections does not necessarily mean the party will regain its national political position. Much of the party’s top leadership remains out of public view, and there has been little visible reflection on past actions. For the party to return to national politics, he said, much more will be required.