Admin service assoc protests Jamaat leader Shahjahan's remarks on controlling administration

The Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (Basa) has protested remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shahjahan Chowdhury, who recently spoke about bringing field administration officials under political control during national elections.

In a statement sent to the media last night (27 November), the association, representing administration cadre officials, condemned such remarks.

The statement noted that a recent speech by Shahjahan Chowdhury at a political rally in Chattogram, where he implied using the state administration for partisan purposes, had drawn their attention. 

"We strongly condemn such statements and urge everyone to refrain from making irresponsible comments in the future," it added.

Shahjahan Chowdhury, a central executive council member of Jamaat and a former lawmaker, said at an event in Chattogram on 22 November that administrative officials in each constituency should be brought under political influence to act according to the party's directives. 

Administration will rise, sit, arrest, file cases 'at our command': Jamaat leader Shahjahan goes viral, party demands explanation

Following the controversy over his remarks on field administration, Jamaat issued him a show-cause notice on 25 November, asking him to respond within seven days.

The Administrative Service Association said, "Our duty is to implement state policies, uphold legal responsibilities, and ensure equal opportunities, security, and neutrality in any election."

"Administrative officials and employees are not affiliated with any political party, ideology, or group; this is the foundation of our identity and professional ethics," it added.

The association said it is unfortunate that participants in political campaigns, social media discussions, and television talk shows are making misleading, motivated, or politically influenced comments about administrative officials.

Referring to the expected announcement of the 13th National Parliamentary Election in February next year, the association said it welcomes the government's decision and remains committed to extending full cooperation to the Election Commission with utmost neutrality, professionalism, and preparedness to ensure a credible election.

Reaffirming their commitment to a fair election, the association said officials will continue their best efforts to uphold public confidence and ensure a transparent, neutral, peaceful, and credible electoral process.