The government has handed out contractual appointments to 12 BNP leaders and activists across key entities, including the Election Commission, despite its manifesto pledge to prevent the politicisation of institutions and strengthen their independence.
The appointments to 12 institutions have drawn criticism from governance experts and members of the Electoral Reform Commission. Particular concern has centred on the Election Commission, which is expected to conduct local government elections in the coming months.
Critics say appointing a BNP activist to the EC Secretariat raises questions about the commission’s neutrality and runs counter to the Electoral Reform Commission’s recommendation that the EC appoint its own secretary from among its officials and have a separate Election Commission Service.
Contacted by The Daily Star, Information and Broadcasting Adviser to the Prime Minister Zahed Ur Rahman, who also served on the Electoral Reform Commission, declined to comment.
Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman told this newspaper the appointments breach the ruling party’s commitments under its 31-point agenda and election manifesto.
“Since the government took power, the way appointments have been made to top positions in institutions of public interest -- including the governor of Bangladesh Bank, vice-chancellors of various universities, and administrators of local government institutions -- echoes the old ‘winner-takes-all’ culture of partisan monopolisation of the politico-governance ecosystem.”
As one of the main partners in the July movement, the BNP is acting against its aspiration of accountable governance, said Iftekharuzzaman, a member of the National Consensus Commission.
“These appointments show that the fall of the authoritarian regime has brought little change to the authoritarian practice of partisan and exclusive governance,” he said. “Their main takeaway, after enduring long years of unaccountable governance under a kleptocratic regime, seems to be that it’s their turn now, with no qualms about the inevitable self-defeating risks.”
These appointments show that the fall of the authoritarian regime has brought little change to the authoritarian practice of partisan and exclusive governance.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman
BREACH OF ELECTION MANIFESTO
On July 23, the government appointed BNP leaders to lead 11 state entities and alsoappointed a former BNP committee member to the Election Commission Secretariat. All 12 appointments were made on one-year contracts.
The appointments contradict the BNP’s election manifesto for the February 12 polls, in which it pledged professionalism in state institutions and an end to politicisation.
“The BNP will ensure the effectiveness and accountability of the state administration, police, and other institutions by relying solely on integrity, competence, merit, qualifications, patriotism, and experience, without considering an individual’s beliefs or disbelief, or party loyalty,” the manifesto said.
APPOINTMENT AT EC
Former EC Deputy Secretary Shamsul Alam, who retired in 2017, has been appointed additional secretary, the EC Secretariat’s second-highest administrative post.
Shamsul was arrested on December 31, 2018, over allegations of leaking election-related information a day after the national polls. He also served on a BNP committee formed in August 2025 to review parliamentary constituency delimitation.
“Of the 12 appointments made that day [July 23], 11 were political – mine wasn’t,” Shamsul told The Daily Star.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the EC has no role in appointing officials, as they are “appointed by the government”.
EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said, “I am not aware of his [Shamsul Alam’s] political background. He joined under a government circular. Whether he had any political affiliation is not my concern.”
Asked about Shamsul’s arrest, he said it had “no connection” with the appointment. On whether the appointment ahead of local government polls would benefit the BNP, he replied, “I am not a palm reader, nor am I a fortune teller.”
Former Electoral Reform Commission member Md Abdul Alim said, “If these appointments were imposed by the government, the Election Commission’s independence will inevitably be questioned.”
He said establishing an Election Service Commission is now essential to eliminate doubts over appointments within the constitutional body.
OTHER APPOINTMENTS
According to BNP sources, the party leaders appointed to lead 11 state organisations under various ministries and divisions include BNP National Executive Committee member Mamun Hasan as chairman of the Bangladesh Jute Corporation; Assistant Organising Secretary for Rangpur Division Abdul Khalek as chairman of the Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation; National Executive Committee member Shamsuzzaman as chairman of the Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation; and Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal leader Salahuddin Sarkar as director general of the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Foundation.
They also include BNP Forest and Environment Affairs Secretary Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul as chairman of the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation; Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary Abdul Bari as chairman of the BIWTC; Assistant Forest and Environment Affairs Secretary Kazi Raonakul Islam as managing director of the BCCT; former Jubo Dal vice-president Zakir Hossain as chairman of the Bangladesh Handloom Board; International Affairs Secretary Mohammad Rashedul Haq as chairman of Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited; former Jubo Dal vice-president Md Kamruzzaman as executive secretary of the National Social Welfare Council; and Assistant Organising Secretary for Dhaka Division Benazir Ahmed as chairman of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation.
The organisations oversee key sectors ranging from agriculture and industry to overseas employment, transport, climate financing, and social welfare. Together, they manage billions of taka in public assets and funds, implement government development programmes, regulate state-owned enterprises, and provide services that affect millions of people.
Contacted last night, State Minister for Public Administration Abdul Bari denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that all appointments to directorates and departments were made in accordance with due process.
Asked about his party’s pre-election pledge, he declined to elaborate. “I will explain everything to you tomorrow [today] at my office...”
The prime minister’s adviser on the ministry, Ismail Zabihullah, could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.
Public administration expert and former additional secretary Firoz Mia said people with administrative or technical expertise can adapt quickly to new institutions, “but it is much harder for those without relevant experience”.
“There may be a risk if the government does not consider this issue. There is nothing wrong with appointing skilled, qualified, and experienced individuals on a contractual basis where needed. However, it is necessary to ensure that public interest is prioritised.”
