Mounting pressure is building on the interim government, with both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders calling for the resignation of key advisers, each alleging political bias in favour of the other.
In a protest outside the Election Commission, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary on Wednesday accused several advisers of acting as “BNP spokespersons” and vowed to force their resignation if they failed to step down voluntarily.
Among those targeted were Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, and Planning and Education Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud.
Meanwhile, BNP leader Ishraque Hossain launched his own salvo, demanding the immediate resignation of Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam, whom he accused of direct political interference.
Speaking at a protest rally near the Matsya Bhaban and Kakrail intersection on Wednesday evening, Ishraque declared that the two advisers must step down to restore the neutrality of the interim administration.
“I personally believe that Asif Mahmud Shojib and Mahfuz Alam must resign without delay,” Ishraque said. “They are interfering in state affairs while harbouring political ambitions. Their continued presence threatens the impartiality of the interim government.”
Ishraque, whose legal claim to the mayorship of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) was recently validated by a court, alleged that the two advisers were blocking his oath-taking process. “As per the court verdict, I should have already taken oath as mayor,” he said. “But due to their intervention, that process is being unjustly delayed.”
He emphasised that the ongoing protests were not about securing power or position. “This is not a fight for office,” Ishraque told reporters. “This movement is about determining whether we will have a real national election in December — one where people can vote freely and a people’s government can be established through proper counting and results.”
Dismissing any personal animosity, Ishraque said, “I have no personal hostility with these two advisers. I even wish them well. If they want to pursue politics, they should resign and take organisational roles in their respective political parties.”