Quickpost News | Dhaka | March 19, 2025
Allegations have emerged regarding the appointment of administrators and commissioners in Dhaka’s 129 wards, suggesting that a specific political group is orchestrating a coordinated effort. This has sparked controversy with local residents and observers expressing concerns over transparency and proper procedures. Critics warn that such moves could destabilize local governance and potentially trigger new political unrest in Bangladesh.
At the core of these concerns is the recent emergence of the National Citizen Party (NCP) which is allegedly attempting to place its preferred candidates at the ward level. Critics argue that bypassing established regulations to appoint loyalists could undermine democratic values and pave the way for political nepotism. One local resident wrote on social media, “If they install their people in ward positions without following due process it will set the stage for new instability in the country.”
Questionable Committee Appointments and Unclear Roles
Questions have also been raised regarding the role of a committee formed in one electoral area last December. According to a concerned citizen, there is no clarity on how these committee members were selected or what their official responsibilities have been since July-August. Now, they claim affiliation with NCP and are planning to distribute Eid aid to underprivileged voters in collaboration with Dhaka City Corporation. “They say the City Corporation will provide the funds and NCP will implement the distribution. But why should public money be handed over to a political party?” asked the resident.
Screenshots shared on social media from a WhatsApp group show committee members referring to the aid distribution as a joint initiative of the City Corporation and NCP. When questioned, they stated that the City Corporation would allocate and fund the initiative while they would oversee its implementation. However, this arrangement has caused confusion and skepticism. “Who will control the flow of funds? Who decides who qualifies as ‘underprivileged’? This smells like a power grab,” commented a concerned citizen.
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Not Limited to a Single Ward
This issue is not confined to one ward alone. A resident of Mohammadpur reported that similar incidents were taking place in their area. “Every ward committee under Dhaka North City Corporation tells the same story—opaque committees, NCP claims and now public funds in their hands.” The resident also provided screenshots as evidence.
Public Outcry for Transparency
Public reaction has been intense with increasing demands for accountability. Residents are seeking answers from the Bangladesh Election Commission and NCP regarding the legitimacy of these committees, their sources of power and the oversight of public funds. One citizen speculated, “If this continues it’s not just about Eid aid—it’s a game of ward control and voter influence.”
Political Instability Following 2024 Student Protests
Since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 due to student-led protests, Bangladesh’s political landscape has remained unstable. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is struggling to restore order. While NCP, which emerged from the July protests, presents itself as an alternative political force, its rapid involvement in local governance has raised suspicions about its real motives.
Neither Dhaka City Corporation officials nor NCP representatives have issued official statements regarding these allegations. As tensions rise, residents are calling for greater transparency and public participation to prevent a new phase of political influence from disrupting the already fragile civic infrastructure of Dhaka.
