Reconstitute EC to ensure free, fair polls

With the national election four months away, major political parties are locked in a debate over the neutrality of the government and the Election Commission. They are accusing one another of manipulating the interim government to gain advantage in the run-up to the polls. The BNP alleges that individuals aligned with Jamaat-e-Islami have been given preference in reshuffles and appointments within the administration, while Jamaat claims some advisers are working in favour of a particular group. The NCP, formed out of the July uprising, meanwhile accuses the BNP and Jamaat of sharing key administrative and police posts. Against this backdrop, the parties met the chief adviser over the past two days and registered their concerns.

The National Citizen Party yesterday expressed serious concerns over what it described as the Election Commission's partial and non-transparent activities and urged the government to restructure it to ensure a free and fair election.

The call came during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

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Neutrality debate takes centre stage

A four-member delegation, led by NCP Convener Nahid Islam and including Chief Organiser (northern region) Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, and Joint Convener Khalid Saifullah, met Yunus in the evening.

At a press conference afterwards, the NCP leaders raised issues related to the commission's neutrality, the stalled July uprising trials and the implementation of the July charter.

The commission was not functioning as mandated by the constitution and appeared biased towards certain parties, Nahid said.

He cited examples such as the registration of the newly-formed "Jatiyo League", disputes over the "shapla" symbol and the commission's stance on the case involving Ishraque Hossain.

"If we are not allotted our symbol, it will not be possible for us to take part in the election. If we are denied our symbol without any valid explanation, it will raise questions about the commission's impartiality and sense of justice."

The government had assured them of measures to create a neutral environment and a level playing field for all parties, he added.

"You can remain confident about our neutrality. We have already taken several measures to hold a free, fair and credible election, and you will soon see many more initiatives."

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus

The NCP also questioned the neutrality of recent administrative transfers and postings, alleging that ministries were being divided among political groups with support from within the advisory council.

Regarding student advisers in the government, Nahid said they represented the July uprising and not any political party.

"If student advisers are seen as political representatives, the same should apply to other advisers with political backgrounds," he said.

About the July charter, Nahid said the party would sign it only after receiving guarantees of its implementation.

"It is not enough to sign a document -- there must be a constitutional order to ensure execution. And only Dr Yunus -- whose legitimacy stems from the July uprising -- can issue it."

The caretaker issue could only be addressed after a referendum, as specified in the charter.

"Those calling for it now might have other motives," he said.

Nahid added that the government had promised to review the NCP's proposals after receiving the National Consensus Commission's recommendations.

"We believe both the Election Commission and the advisory council must demonstrate neutrality and competence for a fair election. Without that, neither reform nor justice can be achieved," he added.

At the meeting, the NCP also expressed concern about the pending July murder cases, saying many accused were out on bail and threatening victims' families.

It urged the government to publish the current status of about 800 cases and announce a timeline for their disposal before the election.

At the briefing, Sarjis said the delegation discussed youth issues, particularly the revised Non-Cadre Recruitment Rules 2025, which awaits the chief adviser's approval.

"He assured us that once the file reaches his table, it will be signed within a week," he said.

In a separate meeting, leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami also met with Yunus.

Meanwhile, the CA press wing in a statement said the chief adviser assured both the parties that the interim government would take all necessary steps to ensure the upcoming national election is free and fair.

To make the polls peaceful and festive, he sought cooperation from all political parties, including Jamaat and the NCP.

During the meeting, Yunus urged the NCP to sign the July charter.

"This charter is a priceless asset for the nation -- participation of everyone is important here," he told the NCP delegation.

He also assured the NCP that the National Consensus Commission was working on the process of implementing the charter.

Nahid said the NCP had already sent a letter to the commission, seeking discussions with its legal experts, said the CA press wing statement.