The issue gained momentum this month. In a television interview, NCP Convener Nahid Islam alleged that “many advisers have made liaison with various political parties and are now looking for a safe exit.”
On 14 October, at a human chain event in Dhaka, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher accused several advisers of engaging in conspiracies and claimed to possess recordings of their conversations. He alleged that four to five advisers were controlling appointments in favour of a particular party, thereby jeopardising prospects for a fair election.
In its meeting with the chief adviser on Tuesday, the BNP demanded the removal of “partisan” advisers. The party had already expressed dissatisfaction with the two student representatives and has now objected about another adviser.
The following day, Jamaat-e-Islami also complained to the chief adviser that some advisers were working in favour of BNP, though it did not name anyone. The same day, NCP leaders in their separate meeting said that if any adviser needed to be removed, not just student representatives but also those representing “different political or social groups” should be considered.
These cross-allegations have created unease within the Advisory Council. Speaking to Prothom Alo on Saturday, one adviser described the accusations as “distressing,” saying they lacked any factual basis. The parties are using these statements as a strategy to secure advantages for themselves, but it sends a wrong message to the public, the adviser said.