TIB urges BNP, Jamaat to rein in affiliates

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the leaderships of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and opposition Jamaat-e-Islami to reform their organisations and rein in affiliated groups to end what it described as a violent struggle for power and influence.

TIB also strongly condemned the armed attack and death threats against media workers at Rajshahi University (RU), calling for those responsible to be brought to justice regardless of their political affiliation or influence.

According to media reports, an attack allegedly involving leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal took place on the RU campus on Sunday night, leaving at least 10 people, including four journalists, injured. 

The university’s proctor acknowledged the administration’s failure to prevent the violence and said police officers reportedly fled the scene out of fear.

The university administration has said it will file a case, while Chhatra Dal has formed an internal investigation committee. 

Journalists have demanded the arrest of those accused and the resignation of the officials concerned.

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TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the perpetrators, accomplices and supporters must face prosecution following an impartial investigation, irrespective of their political connections. 

He also called for proper medical treatment for the injured, protection for students and media workers, and an investigation into the police’s failure to perform their duties.

He said the incident highlighted the need for fundamental reforms and greater accountability within political parties. 

“Without fundamental reforms and self-correction within political parties, particularly those in positions of power, not only will the aspirations of the July uprising remain distant, but fundamental rights, including media freedom, freedom of speech and dissent, and security of life and livelihood, will face increasingly serious threats,” he said.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman urged the BNP and Jamaat leaderships to stop providing patronage or protection to violent activities and to establish democratic practices and accountability within their organisations.

He also warned against allowing partisan influence to undermine university administration and law enforcement. 

Universities, he said, must be governed by laws and regulations rather than party dominance.

TIB called for an investigation into the failures of the university authorities and police and for responsibility to be fixed. It said political identity must not shield anyone from criminal accountability, while university administrations and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to operate independently of partisan influence.