The Islami Andolan Bangladesh on Thursday expressed concern over what it said growing personality-centred politics ahead of today’s meeting in London between Bangladesh’s interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
Islami Andolan joint secretary general Gazi Ataur Rahman, in a statement, also criticised the media and political hype surrounding the government’s eagerness to facilitate the meeting.
‘This kind of behaviour sends a signal that politics in Bangladesh is revolving around a single individual, which is alarming,’ the statement said.
The chief adviser is currently on a four-day visit to the United Kingdom and is set to hold a meeting with Tarique in London today.
Emphasising the importance of a level playing field in the lead up to national elections, the Islami Andolan stressed that fairness must go beyond electoral procedures and encompass political, administrative, psychological and security dimensions.
‘The special treatment being shown to one political leader could tilt the psychological and political balance in favour of that party, thereby undermining the neutrality of the electoral process,’ Ataur said in the statement.
He urged the interim government to remain impartial and treat all political parties equally in the interest of the nation.
The political party also called on the chief adviser to encourage Tarique to take responsibility for curbing extortion and political violence by individuals allegedly linked to his party.
‘The nation expects that the chief adviser will raise the issue of BNP’s opposition to reforms during the London discussions and stress the party’s responsibility in building national consensus,’ the statement added.
