Jamaat calls government’s move to install city, district administrators an ‘attack on democracy’

It also criticises the BNP government for appointing vice-chancellors in seven universities

The Jamaat-e-Islami has condemned the BNP government’s appointment of city corporation and district administrators, terming it “unacceptable” and warning that it could be exploited for partisan advantage in local elections.

At a press conference at the party’s central office in Moghbazar on Tuesday, Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim said the move represents an “unprecedented undermining” of democratic processes.

In a media statement, the party clarified that the briefing was organised to protest the ruling party-backed officials in 11 city corporations and 42 district councils.

Jamaat also objected to the selection of vice-chancellors in seven universities by the government.

Since taking office on Feb 17, the BNP government has filled these posts.

Some of the administrators had contested in the Feb 12 parliamentary elections and lost on party tickets, while others were denied BNP nominations.

Halim accused the government of sidelining public opinion, saying: “Candidates who lost in the national elections or were denied party tickets were made administrators. This does not reflect the will of the people.”

He stressed that local representatives must be elected through direct voting to preserve democratic continuity.

“Installing officials to secure party gains undermines democracy and violates the spirit of the July Uprising,” he said.