Partisan influence in administration threatens fair polls: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that the growing influence of a particular Islamic political group within the administration poses a challenge to holding a fair election.

Speaking to journalists after paying tribute at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave on Saturday morning, Rizvi said, “We expect a free and fair election in February. The Election Commission should already be prepared, and the people are ready to vote. But those trying to mislead the people with new issues will fail.”

He expressed concern that “strategic appointments of individuals loyal to an Islamic political party in key administrative positions could undermine neutrality. Such appointments will not allow a fair election.”

Rizvi called on Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus to ensure neutral and professional officials are placed in the administration to oversee the election.

He praised acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s leadership in the July mass movement and the 5 August anti-fascism movement, saying it inspired the nation. However, he warned of ongoing conspiracies by international imperialist and hegemonic forces against nationalist powers.

“The people of Bangladesh will resist these sinister forces and uphold the banner of nationalism and independence,” Rizvi said.

He condemned the making of a demon idol in India bearing Dr Yunus’s face during Durga Puja, calling it “a display of poor taste, unacceptable and reprehensible”.

Leaders of the newly elected committee of the Engineers Association of Bangladesh were also present.