NCP Calls City Corporation Appointments an Abuse of Power, Warns of Unfair Polls

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has criticised the appointment of administrators in six city corporations, alleging that the move favours the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and could undermine a level playing field ahead of local government elections.

The party also questioned recent government remarks opposing road blockades during protests, saying such statements resemble approaches taken under the previous Awami League government.

NCP leaders made the comments at a press conference held at the party’s Banglamotor office in Dhaka on Tuesday evening, where they outlined their concerns over the upcoming local government polls.

Earlier in the day, the NCP announced its Local Government Election Management Committee, appointing Sarjis Alam as chair and Hannan Masud as member secretary.

Speaking at the briefing, Sarjis Alam accused the BNP of misusing authority soon after assuming office. “The BNP has appointed partisan administrators. This is an abuse of power,” he said.

NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain also criticised the appointments. He alleged that instead of holding elections after the expiry of city corporation terms, the government had given administrative posts to party-affiliated individuals.

“All 12 city corporations have completed their terms. Appointing administrators instead of holding elections is undemocratic,” Asif said, adding that the appointment notices did not specify any tenure, raising questions about transparency.

He warned that if appointed administrators later contest elections or support party candidates while remaining in office, a fair electoral environment would be difficult to ensure. “A neutral election becomes unlikely when partisan individuals hold these positions,” he said.

NCP leaders also expressed concern over comments by the home minister suggesting that protests involving road blockades would not be allowed.

Asif said the party does not support blocking roads over minor issues but stressed that citizens must be allowed to raise legitimate demands.

“Statements suggesting that no form of movement will be permitted go against the constitution,” he said, adding that similar restrictions were seen during the previous government, when protests often faced crackdowns.