A heated debate has emerged over allegations of political interference in appointing ward administrators in Dhaka, sparking concerns about governance and transparency.
The controversy began when Syed Sameer Faiyaz, a student from Department of Physics at Dhaka University, posted claims that a special syndicate was attempting to appoint administrators in all 129 wards of Dhaka metropolis without due process.
Faiyaz’s post, which included screenshots of WhatsApp conversations, alleged that Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) was working with Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to distribute Eid donations while playing an unclear role in managing the funds.
He questioned why a political group was involved in a process that should be led by the city corporation. His concerns gained traction when Senior Producer at Al Jazeera English, Zulkarnain Saer (Sami), shared the post on Facebook, amplifying the discussion.
Screenshots revealed messages from NCP members detailing a plan to distribute Tk 4 lakh among 200 families per ward, with Tk 2,000 allocated per family. Engineer Mohammad Nasir Uddin from the 'Mohammadpur Te…' WhatsApp group instructed organisers to compile lists with recipients' names, addresses and NID photocopies.
Md Toufiq Niaz, a representative of National Citizens' Committee for Khilkhet area, defended the initiative, stating: "The city corporation seeks assistance from political groups to ensure aid reaches the right people." He criticised Faiyaz for publicly questioning the process, suggesting he was politically motivated.
Abdul Kahhar Himu, a student from Tularam College, echoed this sentiment, saying: "The City Corporation trusts students for their integrity, unlike BNP and Jamaat, who have previously exploited aid distribution for personal gain." He argued that the process was legitimate and misinterpreted.
However, doubts remain. A conversation between Faiyaz and NCP members revealed inconsistencies in how the aid was classified; whether it was a city corporation allocation or an independent donation managed by NCP. At one point, Toufiq simply responded with ''Hmm'' when asked if the funding was an official budget allotment.
Meanwhile, prominent content creator Elias Hossain added fuel to the fire, posting accusations that NCP leaders were conducting secret interviews to appoint administrators in Dhaka’s 129 wards. He claimed ward councilors were being offered Tk 50 lakh each, further implicating high-ranking officials in an alleged scheme.
Lutfur Rahaman, Joint Member Secretary of NCP, denied these allegations, stating: "False accusations have been used to discredit me before, and this is no different. Let them bring proof." He also dismissed a past sexual assault accusation as politically motivated.
Political Reactions and Government Response
Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, expressed frustration, posting; "As I am in charge of the relevant ministry, I have the right to be informed before any administrator appointments." His comment suggested dissatisfaction with the alleged lack of transparency.
Arifur Rahman Tuhin, Joint Chief Coordinator of NCP, defended the appointments, stating: "The government is ensuring services in areas where illegal city corporations and councils from the previous fascist era are being dismantled." He argued that relying on civil professionals rather than bureaucrats was a progressive step.
This controversy reflects broader tensions in Bangladesh’s governance, where political influence over local administration remains a contentious issue. While some argue that engaging students and political groups ensures aid reaches those in need, others fear it creates opportunities for corruption and political manipulation.
With conflicting narratives and no independent verification of the claims, the debate over Dhaka’s ward administration remains unresolved. Whether this issue is a genuine effort to assist the underprivileged or a politically motivated power grab, the lack of transparency has deepened public scepticism.
SH
