The civil society in consultation with the Reform Commission suggested holding local government elections before the National Assembly elections.

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Member of Election System Reform Commission Dr. Tofail Ahmed said this.

He said, in the discussion we have had, the opinion of the civil society is that local elections should be held before national elections. Because, due to local elections, the capacity of our commission will increase. The test will be done. Besides, the support required at the local level for the national elections will be ensured.

Dr. Tofail Ahmed said, my question is - national election is one, and local election is five. Three elections - union, municipal and upazila national elections - are held nationwide by five o'clock. And city elections may be localized. Zilla Parishad is not really an election.

He said, if we go to the elections before the reforms, then the reforms that are being talked about will be suspended. Because the local election that we have now is not a system. Different institutions, governed by different laws. There is no comprehensive system.

He said, the major task of this reform will be to develop a system. Now what will happen to the system, the existing system has been kept in the mind of Ayub Khan.