Jamaat Alleges Bias by Three Advisors of Interim Government

He stated, “The Chief Advisor is being misled with false information. These three advisors are deliberately pushing the government in a direction that prevents free and fair elections.” He also demanded the removal of these advisors, warning that their identities would be revealed if the Chief Advisor did not take action.

Taher commented that holding the national election and the referendum on the same day would render the referendum meaningless. He claimed that a political party intentionally proposed this so that voter turnout would be low, later claiming that the public does not desire reforms.

He added, “The government has fallen into a trap, either willingly or unwillingly. As a result, the question of reform has become irrelevant.”

The Jamaat leader also accused that the Reform Commission’s recommendations were not properly adopted. Instead, many suggestions were altered in compromise with one political party, creating public frustration. However, he praised one decision of the Chief Advisor, noting that although BNP wanted to give constitutional authority to the charter through an ordinance, the Chief Advisor insisted on doing it via an order, which deserves appreciation.

Taher criticized the splitting of referendum questions into four parts, making voter decision-making difficult and benefiting only one party. He also accused the government of not being sincere in maintaining administrative neutrality, alleging that partisan influence is being increased with the help of some advisors.

The press conference was attended by top leaders from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, Nezam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Movement, and four other allied parties. Jamaat’s publicity secretary Matiur Rahman Akand hosted the event.

The eight-party alliance, including Jamaat, is pressing for five demands:

1. Issuance of constitutional order of the July National Charter

2. Holding the referendum in November

3. Ensuring equal opportunity for all in elections

4. Administrative neutrality

5. Restoration of the Reform Commission’s recommendations

Political analysts believe that this pressure on the interim government will further intensify the political stakes surrounding the upcoming election and referendum.