Asif Mahmud, Local Government Adviser to the Interim Government, has strongly criticized the move to reintroduce the banned ‘Boat’ electoral symbol of the Awami League in the Election Commission’s schedule. In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Mahmud questioned why the decision was forwarded to the Ministry of Law for approval. He accused authorities of ignoring the ongoing public uprising and attempting to rehabilitate the defeated party. After the fall of the Awami League last year, the party’s political activities were banned and its registration was suspended.