'Govt should go on caretaker mode ahead of polls'

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the interim government should go into caretaker mode ahead of the upcoming general election for the interest of maintaining neutrality.  

He came up with the demand while addressing a discussion titled "The Importance of the Upcoming National Election in Protecting Bangladesh's Independence and Sovereignty," arranged by Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Khasru said, "My request is that the interim government should, as soon as possible, move into full caretaker mode and act according to the character and features of a caretaker administration. By doing that, and holding a proper election, we want a good and peaceful transition."

When the interim government goes into caretaker mode, it will send a clear message that Prof Yunus' government has truly taken on its proper, neutral role to ensure fair and credible polls, he said.

He also said the government should quickly return power to the people through a democratic process and restore a truly accountable system. "Our only expectation is that the ownership of the country is returned to its real owners - the people of Bangladesh - through a free and fair election."

The BNP leader also said that they do not expect anything from an unelected government. "Our only demand is that the ownership of the people should be returned to the people as soon as possible. An elected parliament should be formed under a democratic government based on the mandate of the people."

Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal President Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat presided over the discussion, while BNP Vice Chairman Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and other leaders and activists were present.