'Govt ignored democracy': Jamaat alleges political bias in city, district, and VC appointments

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has accused the government of prioritising party considerations in appointments to city corporations, district councils, and university vice-chancellors (VCs).

"Through the recent decisions to appoint administrators in city corporations and district councils, the government has disregarded the democratic process, which is undesirable," Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim said today (17 March) in a press briefing at its central office.

He added that the public expected local government elections to be held through normal procedures. But, he said, instead of elections, the government appointed administrators in six city corporations on 22 February and in another five on 24 March.

The party organised the briefing to protest the appointment of ruling party-affiliated individuals as administrators in 11 city corporations, 42 district councils, and seven universities. 

Halim, also the party's central executive council member, alleged that these appointments show clear partisan preference. "Candidates who were defeated in national elections or disadvantaged in the ruling party were appointed as administrators, which does not reflect public opinion.

"Such actions by the government undermine democratic continuity and violate the spirit of July [Uprising]. The long-standing anti-fascist movement aimed to respect public opinion, but these decisions contradict that principle."

He also noted that on 15 March, administrators were appointed to 42 district councils, again prioritising party considerations. He warned that this could undermine transparency and accountability in local government.

Addressing administrative changes in universities, he said, "In some universities, party affiliation has been prioritised over merit in appointing vice-chancellors. Even candidates seeking government party nominations in national elections have been appointed as VCs. These appointments do not uphold the July revolution slogan of 'quota-free merit.'"

He also expressed concern over changes in the position of UGC chairman, emphasising that merit and qualifications should be given the highest importance in selecting leadership in higher education institutions.

Referring to the recent change of Bangladesh Bank governor, he said that such important positions should have prioritised competence and experience, but appointing a businessman as governor undermined established precedent.

The Jamaat leader called on the government to maintain democratic processes and political culture according to public expectations, urging that all decisions be made with respect for public opinion.