Yunus to take direct control of pre-poll administrative reshuffle

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that all administrative reshuffles ahead of the forthcoming national elections will take place under his direct supervision, as he also serves as the designated Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Public Administration.

Speaking on Tuesday, Professor Yunus said that eligible officials would be chosen from several “fit lists” for appointment as deputy commissioners and other key district administrators, ensuring that each position is filled with the most suitable candidates before the elections.

“Our responsibility is to remain neutral. Elections are a battlefield — we will choose the warriors who can maintain peace and order there,” Yunus said. “It will be in my hands. We will do whatever is necessary to make the elections peaceful and neutral.”

The Chief Adviser made the remarks while discussing the government’s election preparations with a delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday evening.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, represented the party in the meeting. On the government side, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul, and Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan were also present.

During the meeting, BNP leaders urged the Chief Adviser to exclude any controversial officials — particularly those who previously served in election duties during what they described as the “authoritarian Awami League regime” — from the upcoming election process.

They also called upon Professor Yunus to ensure strict neutrality in administrative reshuffles and transfers before the polls.

The BNP delegation further shared its observations regarding police recruitment and transfer processes, stressing the need for transparency and impartiality in law enforcement ahead of the elections.

In addition, BNP leaders expressed concern over a recent spate of fire incidents in different establishments across the country and called for a thorough investigation to determine whether the incidents were acts of sabotage.

As part of the ongoing political dialogue, the Chief Adviser is scheduled to meet a delegation from the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday.