Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded the transfer of partisan Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs), alleging political bias within the administration. The party’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday (January 7). Abdullah Mohammad Taher claimed that many officials involved in the election process are politically affiliated. He alleged that several returning officers have been appointed from among partisan DCs, leading them to take decisions favoring specific political interests. Jamaat-e-Islami has formally raised the issue with the Election Commission, demanding the transfer of such DCs and SPs to ensure administrative neutrality.
He further stated that the party has observed multiple instances of discrimination during the scrutiny of nomination papers. According to him, while some candidates’ nominations were accepted, others were rejected under similar circumstances. He alleged that although 12 to 13 BNP candidates reportedly hold dual citizenship, their nominations were accepted, whereas Jamaat candidates faced rejection on the same grounds. Jamaat has protested what it described as the unequal application of the law to the Election Commission.
Abdullah Mohammad Taher also said that the neutrality of the administration has come into question due to politically appointed DCs and SPs. He claimed that there is no level playing field in the country, as some candidates are being provided with excessive security and facilities while others are deprived of them. He described this as a major issue during the election period and emphasized the need for equal treatment of all major political parties by the government. He claimed that the Election Commission has agreed with them in principle on this matter.
Regarding the use of CCTV cameras, the Jamaat leader said the Election Commission informed them that CCTV surveillance would be implemented during the election process. He warned that if another “engineered election” takes place, the country could face an existential crisis. Referring to one major political party being effectively sidelined, he urged all stakeholders to take a firm stance in the interest of the nation.
The former lawmaker also clarified that Jamaat-e-Islami has not yet submitted a specific list of DCs or SPs to the Commission. He said such a list would be provided later based on observation. He added that the Election Commission must prove its neutrality at the field level.
Among those present at the meeting were Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, Central Executive Council member Mobarak Hossain, and senior Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir.