Dhaka: BNP on Tuesday hailed Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam for his promise to keep the administration neutral.

‘After joining his new ministry, Awami League general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam said he wants to keep the administration neutral and free from party influence. His spirit his absolutely good... we hail his attitude,’ said BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon.

He made the remark while addressing a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.

The BNP leader alleged that the government has absolutely imbalanced the administration over the last six years making brilliant and competent officials OSDs on political consideration. ‘Many capable officials have been harassed on political ground. It’s a very regrettable matter.’

Mentioning that they appreciate Asharf for his comment as they believe in positive politics, Ripon said BNP wants to see the reflection of the minister’s words on his actions. ‘We want to see the minister to restore balance in the administration.’

He suggested Ashraf to form a committee to evaluate through postings competent and honest officials who have long been kept OSDs.

‘Our party expects the Public Administration Minister to play a positive role so that no official, including secretaries and joint secretaries, falls victim to political vengeance,’ the BNP spokesman said.

Ripon, one of the BNP international affairs secretaries, denounced the arrest of party’s student body, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, president Rajib Ahsan and filing a case against him under the Narcotics Control Act.

He alleged that the government arrested the JCD president with a hidden motive. ‘We strongly protest it.’

‘Rajib was shown arrested in a case filed under the Narcotics Control Act. It’s a deplorable matter. Filing such a case against the president of a big student organisation is also highly unexpected. We think it’s the part of the government’s depoliticisation efforts,’ the BNP spokesman observed.

He demanded the government carry out a fair investigation into the incident.

Referring to an attack on suspended Habiganj municipality mayor and BNP leader GK Gaus in Habiganj Jail by a convicted prisoner, Ripon demanded the government ensure the security of the party men now behind bars.

A convicted prisoner attacked GK Gaus, an accused in former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria murder case, with a knife on the Eid day, leaving him injured.