Gono Odhikar Parishad has called for the resignation of all student advisers from government offices, including interim government advisers Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and Mahfuj Alam.
The demand was made during an emergency press conference at the parishad’s central office at 12pm on Tuesday.
Md Rashed Khan, general secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, accused Mahfuj Alam of being intolerant towards Islamic political groups and making sarcastic remarks about students from Alem-Ulama madrasas.
"He has completely destroyed national unity and solidarity. Such a controversial figure cannot continue as a government adviser. We demand his resignation," he said.
He further claimed that Mahfuj Alam, as an information adviser, should act as the government’s spokesperson but has instead been making divisive remarks against Hefazat, Jamaat, BNP, and the Gono Odhikar Parishad.
"His statements are causing disunity. If necessary, the government should consider restructuring its advisory council," Rashed Khan added.
At the press conference, party spokesperson and Vice President Faruk Hasan read out a written statement.
He referenced a claim attributed to US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, stating that the Trump administration was "deeply concerned" about Bangladesh’s political climate, Islamic terrorism, and minority rights.
"We strongly condemn this statement. There is no Islamic terrorism in Bangladesh, and minorities have not faced any significant threats," he said.
He cited a Voice of America Bangla survey that suggested the interim government provided better security for minorities than the previous Awami League government.
Faruk Hasan further said that the 2024 mass uprising had paved the way for a new Bangladesh, and the interim government was a product of that movement.
"We have supported this government from the beginning. However, instead of ensuring neutrality, it is favouring a particular group. There were three student advisers — one resigned and started a political party. This raises questions about the remaining two advisers’ credibility," he said.
He called for the resignation of all student advisers and stressed the importance of ensuring the government’s neutrality.
Additionally, he raised concerns about outsourcing recruitment in Dhaka WASA, referencing a September 6, 2024, report that stated about 2,500 outsourced workers were being considered for permanent employment.
"Even if recruitment happens through outsourcing, converting these positions to permanent jobs without a transparent process is unethical. We demand an investigation into this," he said.
He also emphasized the need for state reforms, urging the restructuring of the Advisory Council under the chief adviser’s leadership.
"Controversial figures in the Advisory Council must be removed. According to the High Court’s ruling, a free, fair, and impartial election must be held under a caretaker government. Gono Odhikar Parishad demands genocide trials, state reforms, and a roadmap to ensure democratic progress," he added.
