End partisan appointments, hold polls sans delay

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, on Sunday urged the government to stop what he described as partisan appointments in public institutions and hold local government elections without delay to restore elected representatives to office.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Jan Debo, July Debo Na" organised by the Bangladesh Labour Party at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club, Shafiqur alleged that the government's actions contradicted its earlier pledge to establish a merit-based society.

He claimed that instead of allowing elected representatives to serve in local government bodies, the authorities were appointing party leaders to key positions. According to him, similar practices were also being followed in administrative institutions where civil officials, rather than political figures, should perform their duties.

"We reject these decisions and will never accept them," he said, describing such appointments as an unprecedented example of political partisanship in the country's history.

The Jamaat chief also called on the government to honour the promises it made to the people, saying his party wanted to see it act as a responsible administration rather than one that betrayed public trust. He added that democratic demands should be resolved through parliament, but warned that political parties would continue peaceful movements on the streets if necessary.

Shafiq further alleged that incidents of mob violence were increasing across the country and urged the government to prevent such activities by ensuring equal enforcement of the law.

Referring to the recent attack on NCP activist Alif in Habiganj, who reportedly lost an eye during the assault, he demanded justice for the victim.

Among others, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Oli Ahmed, Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, and National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari also addressed the programme.