The issue of politically motivated recruitment and partisan influence in public institutions has once again become a major topic of discussion in Bangladeshโs political arena. Allegations have emerged that the BNP and its affiliated groups are openly prioritizing party loyalists for important positions, while questions are also being raised about the Awami Leagueโs approach during its time in power.
Critics claim that the BNP is no longer trying to maintain any image of neutrality and is actively placing Chhatra Dal activists and BNP supporters in different positions. Allegations include attempts to appoint party loyalists as city corporation administrators, university vice-chancellors, BCB board directors, and in various levels of government jobs. Many observers say a similar pattern was also visible during the BNP government between 2001 and 2006.
At the same time, Jamaat-e-Islami has long faced accusations of favoring party affiliates in recruitment. Political observers often point to institutions such as Islami Bank, alleging that recruitment during periods of Jamaat influence was heavily based on political loyalty.
On the other hand, many former grassroots activists and student leaders argue that during the Awami League government, party workers were frequently neglected despite having qualifications and experience. According to them, many MPs, ministers, and influential leaders showed little interest in recommending Chhatra League activists for jobs or opportunities.
They claim that many central and university-level student leaders failed to secure BCS positions even after attending viva examinations multiple times. Others reportedly sat for five to seven written and oral exams without obtaining even a non-cadre or second-class government job. Supporters also argue that there were very few examples of private corporate groups giving employment priority solely based on Chhatra League affiliation.
A section of Awami League supporters believes the party attempted to prioritize merit over political identity in many cases. However, they say that this โneutralityโ is receiving no public recognition today. Instead, they express frustration that many individuals who benefited through personal connections or influence are no longer standing beside the party during difficult times.
In this context, one former student leader shared a personal experience, saying he repeatedly requested a powerful minister to arrange a fourth-class government job for a struggling union-level Chhatra League president. According to him, the minister ignored those requests. Later, that same minister ended up in jail in connection with various cases. In his words, โSome mistakes also require atonement.โ
Political analysts say that the culture of partisan influence in recruitment and state institutions has existed in Bangladesh for decades. With every change of power, accusations of political favoritism in appointments reappear. They believe transparency, accountability, and merit-based recruitment are essential to ending this long-standing controversy.
English 
Bengali