The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has dismissed five officials of the Nepal Red Cross Society, including its chairman, for violating international Red Cross principles.

IFRC removed President Sudarshan Prasad Nepal, General Secretary Bhupati Lal Shrestha, Treasurer Binod Kumar Basnet, Deputy General Secretary Manoj Kumar Thapa, and member Narayan Timilsina from their positions. They have also been banned from contesting future elections.

These officials had reportedly signed an agreement to distribute leadership positions among the Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Centre), and CPN (Unified Socialist) during the last Red Cross elections.

Citing this as evidence of a breach of neutrality and independence, IFRC dismissed them from their respective positions. The federation is also investigating other officials and has indicated that further action may follow.

Although the Red Cross operates as a voluntary humanitarian organisation, its international policies prohibit political affiliations. However, in Nepal, political influence has long dominated Red Cross structures. By taking action against central officials, IFRC has issued a strong warning to the Nepal Red Cross Society.