Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is unable to operate independently and neutrally and is instead functioning under government directives.

He said that under the current circumstances, it would not be possible to hold a neutral local government election under the EC.

Parwar made the remarks at a press conference on local government elections held at Jamaat-e-Islami’s central office on Wednesday (September 16). His remarks were also reported by Bangladeshi media on the same day.

He alleged that the government was pushing opposition parties toward boycotting elections and claimed that the Election Commission was not being allowed to operate independently.

Raising allegations of politicisation in the local government system, the Jamaat leader said the government had appointed administrators in various areas and placed people affiliated with its own party in those positions.

Under such circumstances, he said, it would be difficult to ensure equal opportunities for all and organise a neutral election.

At the press conference, Parwar put forward eight demands concerning the local government elections. He said no excuse for delaying the elections would be acceptable. Adequate time and opportunities, a safe environment and a “level playing field” must be ensured for all candidates, he said.

He also called for the administration and law enforcement agencies not to be used for any political interests during the election. The Election Commission must be given the opportunity to perform its duties independently, he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami had earlier held a meeting with the Election Commission over the local government elections and submitted several demands. Among them were calls to disqualify administrators from contesting the elections and to allow MPO-listed teachers and officials to participate in the polls.