NCP urges Prof Yunus to act on ‘biased advisers’
Staff Reporter :
The National Citizen Party (NCP) has called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to take action against advisers accused of bias and to ensure that the interim government operates with complete neutrality ahead of the upcoming national election.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna yesterday, NCP Convener Nahid Islam questioned the basis of current administrative appointments, raising concerns that they may be influenced by political interests.
“A fair election requires a neutral commission. On what basis are the current administrative appointments being made — neutrality and merit, or something else?” Nahid asked.
He alleged that some major political parties were attempting to influence postings of key administrative officials before the polls.
“We are learning that major parties are dividing positions like deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) among themselves. If this continues, the government’s neutrality will be compromised,” he warned.
In Bangladesh’s national elections, DCs serve as returning officers, overseeing the entire voting process in their districts, while SPs are responsible for maintaining law and order during the election period.
The NCP delegation, led by Nahid Islam, included Joint Conveners Samanta Sharmin and Khaled Saifullah, as well as Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam. The team met the chief adviser around 5 p.m. as part of the interim government’s ongoing political dialogue with parties and stakeholders.
According to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, Muhammad Yunus later held a separate meeting around 6 p.m. with a delegation from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to discuss election-related matters.
On Monday, a BNP delegation met with the chief adviser, urging the interim government to function in a caretaker mode and to remove any individuals within the administration who are perceived as partisan.
These consecutive meetings are part of the chief adviser’s ongoing consultations with political parties to build consensus and ensure a credible electoral process in the run-up to the upcoming parliamentary polls.