Resignations loom in Advisory Council!

Bangla Press Desk: A leading adviser of the caretaker government was recently invited by an organization to participate in a discussion session. When the adviser’s personal secretary (PS) was asked for a suitable date and confirmation, the request was turned down. The PS explained, “Sir said it’s time to move on—leave these matters aside and concentrate on the key reforms. Our time here is limited, and one day we’ll have to step down anyway!”

A similar incident occurred at the office of another adviser in Secretariat Building No. 7. It is not just these two advisers; according to responsible officials, several advisers’ offices are pushing for the speedy completion of pending reform work. Moreover, some believe that the adviser council might be restructured. At present, there are rumors of significant changes in the caretaker government’s council of advisers. Political pressure has reportedly come from major parties like BNP, Jamaat, and NCP to remove “controversial” and “party-affiliated” advisers.

These rumors intensified after various political parties met with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. In this context, some ministries and departments have exhibited a certain sense of urgency in administrative work. No adviser was willing to comment on this issue. However, multiple personal secretaries (PS) of advisers, speaking anonymously, almost echoed the same sentiment: “Brother! The advisers won’t be here for long. It’s time for us to go. One day, we might wake up and find Sir is gone! If the Sir resigns, our responsibilities end too. Perhaps the Ministry of Public Administration will assign us elsewhere. Pray for us, brother.”

Earlier, Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), stated that many advisers had formed liaisons with different political parties and were considering a “safe exit.”

Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, central Naib Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, accused some advisers of being involved in conspiracies, creating discomfort among advisers. However, some strongly denied these allegations and the notion of planning a “safe exit.”

A reliable government source revealed that the top level of the caretaker government had advised two student-representative advisers to resign by mid-September. However, they requested more time. These two advisers are Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam and Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiya. The source said that Mahfuz Alam has shown no interest in participating in the upcoming national parliamentary election and wishes to remain in the government, while Asif Mahmud may resign before the election schedule is announced. No final decision has been made yet.

Attempts to get their statements were unsuccessful. However, Asif Mahmud had told journalists on August 14 that he would resign before the election schedule is announced. Mahfuz Alam said on September 28 at an event, “I’ve been in uncertainty for two months—I don’t know when I’ll step down.”

After the fall of the Awami League government during the July 2024 popular uprising on August 5, a caretaker government was formed on August 8 under Professor Muhammad Yunus. Currently, the adviser council has 23 members, including the chief adviser and two student representatives.

Meanwhile, three political parties have recently raised questions about the neutrality of the administration amid preparations for the national election. Other parties have also raised concerns. During meetings with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, BNP, Jamaat, and NCP representatives raised questions about administrative neutrality. Earlier, several parties participating in discussions with the National Consensus Commission had urged the government to ensure neutrality in administration.

Last Tuesday, a BNP delegation met Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus regarding the ongoing political situation. After the meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters: “We have demanded the removal of any partisan individuals in the government. Those in the Secretariat who are still identified as loyal to a fascist agenda should be replaced with neutral officers.”

Following this meeting, the chief adviser’s press wing said that BNP leaders urged the chief adviser to prevent controversial officials—especially those who held election responsibilities under the autocratic Awami League rule—from participating in the elections. They also appealed to maintain neutrality in the administration through personnel changes before the elections.

On the same day, Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP leaders met with the chief adviser and raised concerns about administrative neutrality. After the meeting, Jamaat Naib Amir Dr. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher told reporters: “70 to 80 percent of officers in the Election Commission, Secretariat, and police administration are loyal to one party. When we approach, they claim extreme pressure. This pressure comes from one party. We have told the government to make the necessary transfers before the elections.”

Following a meeting with the chief adviser, NCP convener Nahid Islam also raised questions about the neutrality of the administration and the Election Commission. He alleged partisan influences in the civil service and said, “Even within the adviser council, there is support for this. We have asked the chief adviser to take action against those advisers accused of corruption or partisan activities.”

Rashed Khan, general secretary of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, also raised questions about administrative neutrality. In a Facebook post last Tuesday, he wrote: “It is now a matter of doubt and suspicion nationwide whether these nepotistic advisers can ensure a fair election. Before the election, purging not only government officials but also the adviser council is necessary. Controversial advisers should be removed, and a new caretaker government formed. To restore public confidence, changes in the adviser council are urgently needed.”

Amid this situation, some advisers are reportedly considering resigning with dignity. Preparations in their ministries are underway, according to a source.

BP/SP