BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that for the sake of a free, fair, and impartial election, the interim government must swiftly transition to a “caretaker” model. He said the current interim government itself will perform the duties of the caretaker government in the upcoming national parliament election because no other caretaker government will come before the election.
The BNP Standing Committee member made this remark on Wednesday afternoon at a discussion meeting, alluding to the meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Saturday evening. This discussion meeting, titled “The importance of the upcoming national parliament election in protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty”, was held at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club, jointly organised by the Nationalist Freedom Fighters Party and the Generation of the Liberation War.
At the discussion meeting, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “The interim government must very swiftly assume the role of a caretaker government. It must transition to caretaker mode immediately. Because once it assumes the position of a caretaker government, the government will move to a completely neutral position.”
Referring to the interim government, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “We have observed that postings in many matters inside and outside the government, many transfers, are being influenced by some individuals. Questions have been raised about them. Those who will participate in the upcoming election, or those who are associated with any party or have identified themselves with a party, cannot perform the role of a caretaker government if they remain in the government.” He said, “The character of a caretaker government and how it will function are clearly stated in the constitution. Therefore, the government must now maintain that characteristic in all activities as outlined for the caretaker government in the constitution. Because when important decisions need to be made, many questions will arise. So, they should conduct their daily activities gradually.”
Pointing out that “there are various conspiracies to question the election”, Amir Khosru said, “We are seeing various activities in the field aimed at questioning the election as the February election approaches. As the largest political party in Bangladesh, we could have taken to the streets if we wanted regarding the problems, but we did not take to the streets. We are playing the role of a responsible political party.”
He said, “The mandate must be taken from the people. Every party has the right to seek its mandate by participating in the upcoming election. Creating chaos on the streets with various demands and claims, trying to question the election – it is not right to do these things by taking to the streets.”
Amir Khosru said, “Sheikh Hasina has been ousted. Now, it’s not the time for the streets, now it’s time to go to the people. For the people of Bangladesh, take all your demands and claims, present them in your manifesto before the next election, and go to the people. Pass them in parliament with the people’s mandate. If you try to force things by taking to the streets, then you are not a believer in democracy. You are acting against democracy.”
Mentioning “We want a peaceful transition of government,” Amir Khosru further said, “Then, those who are in the government… we have respect for Muhammad Yunus sir. He must leave with dignity, we want that. But if that is hindered by the activities of some people, for that reason, we have told the interim government: you must fully transition to caretaker mode. Those who are controversial must leave. Their presence alone will raise questions. A clear message must reach everyone that the interim government has assumed its correct, impartial role.”
The discussion meeting was presided over by Ishtiak Aziz Ulfat. Among those who spoke were Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council; Zainal Abedin, Liberation War Affairs Secretary; Mizanur Rahman, Executive Committee member; Rita Rahman, daughter of the late Mashiur Rahman Jadu Miah; and freedom fighter Masud Hossain Alamgir, among others.
