Dhaka, March 9 -- The grassroots leaders, workers, and supporters of the BNP are calling for local government elections to be held before the national polls, arguing that such a move would reflect the true will of the voters.

However, they fear that influential figures and opportunistic hybrid leaders may secure nominations for local elections, such as district councils, upazilas, unions, and municipalities.

According to party insiders, the BNP high command favours holding the national elections first, after which an elected government would oversee the local polls.

This has created a conflict between the aspirations of grassroots leaders and the stance of the party's central leadership.

Speaking to The New Nation on Saturday, eminent...