We don't support or oppose any political party, but favour fair polls: TIB
The civil society organsiation came up with the statement in response to Bridge Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader’s comment that TIB is towing BNP’s line.
The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said it neither supports nor opposes any political party and all it wants is a free, fair, and inclusive election.
The anti-corruption watchdog came up with the statement on Sunday in response to Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader's comment that TIB is towing BNP's line.
TIB stated, "The comment is on the one hand self-embarrassing for him (Quader), and on the other hand reflects the mindset that treats all critics as political opponents."
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TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, "It should not be unknown to the learned minister that an inclusive election can be held only in a situation where level playing field for all aspiring parties and candidates is ensured through a neutral, non-partisan and conflict of interest-free role of the Election Commission, election-time government, administration and law enforcement agencies."
TIB condemned the attempt by the Awami League general secretary to conflate TIB with BNP due to expressing doubts regarding a participatory election.
The statement said, "TIB is an apolitical entity with no affiliations towards any political party. It was deeply disappointing to hear such unfounded statements from a key minister of the state and the second-in-command of the ruling political party."
However, TIB expressed that while such allegations were neither surprising nor unnerving, they marked a recurrent trend where both major political entities, Awami League and BNP, responded with hostility whenever TIB's research reports or recommendations challenged their interests.
