Fakhrul urges interim govt to act like caretaker for fair polls in Feb

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged the interim government to operate ‘in the mode of a caretaker government’ to ensure a free, fair and acceptable national election scheduled for February next year.

“We met the Chief Adviser to share some of our political concerns, especially about the upcoming parliamentary election. To make the election meaningful, neutral and acceptable to all, the interim government now needs to function in the style of a caretaker government,” he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after an hour-long meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his official residence, Jamuna.

He said the interim government should take on the role of a truly non-partisan caretaker administration. “For that to happen, the first and most important step is to build public confidence that the entire administration is neutral,” Fakhrul said.

A three-member BNP delegation, comprising Mirza Fakhrul, party Standing Committee Members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, met Professor Yunus at his Jamuna residence around 6pm and briefed reporters at 7:11 pm.

Fakhrul said the delegation urged the Chief Adviser to remove officials at the Secretariat “who are known as identified cohorts of the fascist regime” and replace them with neutral officers.

“We also said that similar steps should be taken in district administrations, as some officials are still serving the interests of the fallen fascist regime. We have demanded their removal,” he added.

The BNP leader said they also called for neutrality in police appointments and promotions. “We urged the Chief Adviser to ensure impartial recruitment and promotion within the police force.”

He said they also stressed the need for neutrality in the judiciary. “We pointed out that some in the higher judiciary are still loyal to the fascist regime. Though the judiciary is independent, we raised this issue since the Chief Adviser has overall responsibility.”

Fakhrul said the BNP also emphasised maintaining neutrality within the interim government itself. “We told him that if there are any partisan figures within the government, they should be removed.”

When asked whether the BNP mentioned any specific advisers, the BNP Secretary General replied in the negative.