Political appointments undermine democracy: IAB

Joint Secretary General and spokesperson of Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB), Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, has criticised the appointment of party-affiliated individuals as administrators in six city corporations, describing the move as inconsistent with democratic norms.

In a statement on Monday, he said city corporations became leaderless during the July Uprising after elected mayors fled their posts. At that time, his party demanded immediate local government elections to restore public representation. However, elections were not held, and administrators were appointed instead.

Following the 13th parliamentary election, he alleged, politically aligned individuals were appointed as administrators as a form of reward. "This decision undermines democratic values and weakens accountability," he said, arguing that elected representatives are directly answerable to voters, while career administrators maintain institutional responsibility.