Jamaat accuses govt of appointing BNP-backed individuals as city administrators

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has accused the government of appointing BNP-backed individuals as administrators to six city corporations, alleging that the move undermines democratic expectations.

In a statement yesterday (23 February), party Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar protested a notification issued by the Local Government Division appointing administrators to the city corporations of Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Khulna, Sylhet, Narayanganj and Gazipur.

Porwar claimed the appointments reflect what he described as the government's disregard for public aspirations.

He said the July Uprising had sought to establish a discrimination-free and democratic social order, ensure accountability for the massacre, and implement necessary reforms.

Referring to the 13th national election and referendum as initial steps towards that goal, he said people expected local government bodies to be formed through democratic elections.

The Jamaat leader also pointed to what he termed positive signals from the Election Commission regarding upcoming local government polls.

Against that backdrop, he alleged that appointing individuals affiliated with the ruling party as administrators in six city corporations was "morally reprehensible" and tantamount to deceiving the public.

He further warned that the move could fuel suspicions of a broader plan to delay local government elections or stage what he called another "engineered election".

Jamaat demanded the immediate cancellation of the appointments and urged the government to announce election schedules for local government bodies at all levels without delay.