BNP calls for halting appointments, promotions in city corporations until polls

The BNP has alleged that appointments and promotions are being made at the two Dhaka city corporations ahead of the Apr 28 polls and has sought Election Commission’s intervention to prevent them.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 19 April 2015, 11:06 AM
Updated : 19 April 2015, 11:49 AM

It says the move will influence the poll results.

The party’s International Affairs Secretary Asaduzzaman Ripon, who is currently acting as its spokesman, claimed quoting ‘media reports’ that the ‘pro-government’ administration was planning to appoint 109 party men in various posts such as computer operators, stenographers and sweepers.

“Moreover, they are also giving promotions to party [people] already working at the city corporations. They are also allotting funds for various development initiatives. We believe they have foreseen their defeat and are busy for their April final.”

The BNP man also said at the party’s Naya Paltan headquarters that they expected the commission to step in to stop such moves. “Local Government Ministry acting secretary Abdul Malek has said these were routine steps.

“But we want to say, the rule is that no appointments, promotions, shop allocations or development work can be carried out after the poll schedules are announced.”

He continued, “There is a thing called June final in the Budget. You have to spend all allocated funds before the new budget. We believe, in the same manner, the ruling party is busy with their April final, foreseeing their massive loss in the city corporation polls.”

The BNP leader also alleged ruling party ‘henchmen’ were being appointed ‘hastily’ to hamper future development work by the representatives to be elected.

He also claimed campaigns of Mirza Abbas, Dhaka South BNP-backed mayor candidate, were attacked in Segun Bagicha and Adalatpara on Saturday while the ruling alliances’ men and law enforcers stood ‘watching’.

“If the government and law enforcing agencies do not take steps against such acts, the message to the people would be clear - the government is going to host a poll like that Jan 5 last year.”

The party spokesman vented frustration over the Election Commission and said, “We wanted a participatory, competitive and proper poll in which voters can go to centres without fear and vote for the candidate they prefer.

“But in reality, the Election Commission is not active. Rules are being broken in various places. The commission is not paying heed despite media reports.”