Jamaat alleges partisan admin, seeks transfer of DCs, SPs

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday alleged that field-level administration officials were acting on partisan instructions, undermining the neutrality of the electoral process, and demanded the immediate transfer of several deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs).

The allegations were made during a meeting with the Election Commission (EC) earlier in the day. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said the party had informed the commission of what it described as “controversial” appointments at the district and police administration levels.

“Party-aligned DCs have been appointed in the field,” Taher said. “As a result, political decisions are being implemented instead of neutral administration. At present, there is no level playing field in the elections.”
He said Jamaat had formally placed a list of officials before the commission and demanded their transfer to restore confidence in the process.

Taher also raised objections over what he termed discriminatory treatment during the scrutiny of nomination papers, alleging that the same law was being applied differently to different parties.

“Despite having dual citizenship, the nomination papers of 12 to 13 BNP candidates were accepted. In our case, different decisions were taken under the same law,” he said. “We have strongly protested this double standard.”
Expressing concern over security arrangements, the Jamaat leader alleged that protection was being provided selectively.

“Some are being given excessive security, while others are receiving none,” he said. “The government must ensure equal treatment of all major political parties.” According to Taher, the commission had agreed with this demand “in principle.”

He further accused one political party of violating the election code of conduct by campaigning with promises to distribute different cards if voted to power, which he said constituted a clear breach of electoral rules.

“We have drawn the commission’s attention to this. The commission has assured us of action. Now we are waiting to see that action,” he said.

Addressing speculation about diplomatic contacts, Taher denied that Jamaat had held any formal meeting with the Indian High Commission. He said that when the party’s ameer had been ill, the Indian mission had sought a meeting and requested confidentiality, which Jamaat respected.

“Beyond that, there was no formal meeting with India,” he said.
He also sought to clarify reports of talks with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying there had been no formal meeting and that it was merely a courtesy call.

“We have consistently stated that if the election is fair, we will accept the people’s verdict,” Taher added.

The Jamaat leader also told reporters that the party had informed the commission about growing public anxiety over the law and order situation, warning that fear and uncertainty were spreading among general people ahead of the polls.

The Election Commission has not yet publicly responded in detail to the allegations raised during the meeting.