No level playing field due to three advisors’ ‘misleading role’, say eight religion-based parties

These advisors are undermining the neutrality of the elections and the referendum process, says Jamaat leader Porwar

The leaders of eight religion-based parties have said “misguidance” from three interim government advisors is hindering the level playing field.

On Sunday, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, on behalf of the eight parties, announced that their movement will continue until a level playing field is achieved.

He said three advisors are undermining the neutrality of the elections and the referendum process.

“The eight parties believe that a level playing field is not being ensured because of this 'misguiding' role. Hence, the alliance has announced that the street protests will continue until the promised level playing field is achieved."

"Not everything can be said formally. If necessary, we will disclose the names of the three controversial advisors in due course. We have information and evidence."

Golam Porwar said, "The government needs to be alert now, otherwise the impartiality of the election process will be called into question."

He said some parts of the administration are still biased to the ousted Awami League government. On top of that, the influence of the three advisors has made the situation more complicated.

"The eight-party alliance feels that the government is responsible for the doubts nurtured by the public about the free and fair elections under the circumstances.”

Porwar said, “We’re still in the field as we want a fair election. We’ll have protest programmes until we get a level playing field.”

Three of the eight-party alliance's demands are still unfulfilled. There is no level playing field, the accused fascists were not punished, and bias still prevails in the administration. The steering committee of the eight-party alliance will decide and announce the next programme on these issues, he said.

The Jamaat leader said the protest programmes will not create any disruption to the elections. Rather, it would ensure a fair election, he said.

Porwar said, "We have been in favour of the core reforms of the commission from the beginning. These must be presented to the voters in simple language."

"The government and the EC should clearly state through leaflets, national media, and open communication why these reforms are necessary. Otherwise, a large section of the public will not realise the issue."