Political parties' mistrust casts shadow over interim govt

The country's major political forces have intensified scrutiny over the interim government led by Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, raising questions of impartiality, corruption and political bias among its advisory council members. 

Allegations that some advisers are engaged in conspiracies or plotting a 'safe exit' have become the focal point of national political discourse, with parties across the spectrum expressing deep concern.

The controversy gained momentum following remarks by NCP convener and former interim government adviser Nahid Islam in a recent interview with a private television channel. Nahid stated, "It was a big mistake to trust many of the advisory council members. We were deceived by trusting them. Many of the advisers have formed liaisons with different political parties. They are thinking about their 'safe exits'." His comments prompted responses from at least five advisers including Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul, Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Fawzul Kabir Khan, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Religion Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain. Rizwana Hasan in particular urged Nahid to reveal the names of those seeking a 'safe exit.'

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Naib-e-Ameer and former MP Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher amplified the allegations asserting that four-five of the advisers are working in the interest of a particular political party. "You are a good man-honest and straightforward. But not everyone around you is the same. Some of your close associates are misleading and using you. Remove them or the people will remove them," he cautioned the Chief Adviser adding, "Hasina survived 16 years but under these circumstances, you will not last even a few minutes." 

Taher warned that the list of conspiratorial advisers is already documented and if the Chief Adviser fails to act, the names will be publicly disclosed. He emphasized the necessity of a politically neutral advisory council noting, "To ensure a fair election, an environment free from party influence must be created at the administration and advisory levels. But it appears that some advisers are working for a party. We have the list and records of those involved in the conspiracy."

Other NCP leaders also raised concerns. Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmin commented, "Every adviser of the interim government has done his own sugarcane picking," while the party's Chief Organizer for the Northern Region Sarjis Alam warned, "Some advisers are behaving irresponsibly. They think that the job is over if they can get an exit through elections. But whether inside or outside the country, such an irresponsible attitude is very dangerous for the government."

Similarly, the BNP expressed apprehension over the advisers' conduct. At the BNP Standing Committee meeting on October 14, party leaders noted indications of biased behaviour in statements, activities and administrative posts, warning that such conduct undermines the government's impartiality. A delegation from the party is expected to meet Chief Adviser Yunus to formally convey these concerns.
 
Earlier, on August 10, 2025, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar alleged evidence of 'unlimited corruption' involving eight government advisers.

Other parties including Gono Odhikar Parishad also raised finger to the controversial activities of the advisers. GOP president Nurul Haque Nur questioned the advisory council's 'fitness' to oversee national elections. GOP also demanded the resignation of the two student advisers currently serving in government.

Civil society organizations have also joined the debate.  Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) distinguished fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya told the BBC on August 15, 2025 that the Yunus-led government had the opportunity to set a precedent in transparency and accountability. "In contrast to the allegations of irregularities and corruption against the party's ministers and state ministers during the Awami League era, the government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus had the opportunity to set an example of transparency and accountability," he said. Despite a promise by the Chief Adviser on August 25 last year to disclose the income and assets of all advisory council members, no such disclosures have yet been made.

The allegations carry significant implications for the interim government's legitimacy both nationally and internationally.

 Yet, some question whether the criticism reflects genuine concern or is strategically designed to influence public perception and upcoming elections. As the nation watches closely, the integrity of the advisory council and the impartiality of the interim government remain under a microscope.