BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said that only a caretaker government can ensure a free and fair national election, welcoming the restoration of the system as a positive development.
Speaking to reporters after an event at Dhaka University, Khosru said elections held under caretaker administrations in the past were “comparatively more acceptable”, adding that any limitations in the system could be resolved through reforms.
“The most important thing is that there is a national consensus on the caretaker government. People have confidence in elections conducted under such a non-elected administration,” he said.
On concerns over who should lead the caretaker government, the BNP leader said disagreements could be settled through dialogue.
“Its limitations, characteristics and structure can all be finalised through discussions,” he added.
Regarding the ongoing programmes of Jamaat-e-Islami and its eight like-minded allies, Khosru said their activities were their own political decisions. “There will always be differing opinions in a democracy. Tolerance is the beauty of democratic practice.”
Asked about the National Citizen Party (NCP) wanting to nominate candidates who were not nominated by the BNP, Khosru said each political party has its own strategies. “BNP has nothing to say about this. But everyone should follow proper political norms.”
He said the country needs an elected government to carry out essential national tasks.
“People want elections now. They are eagerly waiting for it,” he added.
