Dhaka: The National Citizen Party (NCP) has issued a strong condemnation of the Election Commission (EC), accusing it of lacking independence and acting in a subservient manner. The criticism came in response to conflicting statements between the EC and a state minister regarding the schedule for upcoming local government elections.
According to United News of Bangladesh, NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhter Hossen released a joint statement criticizing Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah for announcing potential dates for the elections, only for State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam to deny any governmental discussions with the EC on the matter. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed subsequently stated that the minister's remarks would be binding, expressing reluctance to counter them, which NCP leaders argued showed the commission's lack of independence.
The NCP leaders highlighted that the EC's failure to maintain its constitutionally granted independence indicates it has become subservient to government directives. They voiced concerns that such government influence compromises the EC's ability to ensure neutral and fair elections.
Expressing their outrage, the NCP leaders accused the current administration of attempting to capture state institutions for partisan purposes since taking power. They criticized the government's alleged efforts to control the EC and conduct elections under its supervision, labeling it as evidence of an undemocratic approach to governance.
Furthermore, the NCP pointed to the appointment of a person affiliated with the ruling party's election activities as an additional secretary of the commission as an example of the government's intent to use the constitutional body for partisan gains. The party demanded the EC extricate itself from governmental influence and operate as an independent entity.
The NCP also called for an explanation from the EC regarding its perceived unprofessional behavior in yielding to executive pressure. They insisted on ending what they described as the government's illegal and undemocratic interference in the EC and other state institutions.
Nahid and Akhter warned that the public, who have embarked on a new democratic path since the July uprising, will not tolerate an EC that is compliant to government bureaucracy. They cautioned that if the government continues its undemocratic practices, the NCP will initiate a resistance movement on the streets with public support.