Free and fair elections cannot be held while those involved in irregularities or acted to shield “fascist forces” remain in the administration, he says
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Sketch: TBS
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BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Sketch: TBS
No individual in the administration who is affiliated with any political party should remain in office, as the essence of a caretaker government lies in neutrality, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said today (21 October).
“If the government is truly non-partisan, there is no place for political advisers or officials with party loyalties,” Rizvi said at a press briefing on current political issues at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.
He added that free and fair elections cannot be held while those involved in irregularities or acted to shield “fascist forces” remain in the administration.
“Many of them operated openly, not secretly. They must be identified and held accountable under the law,” Rizvi said, adding that a truly impartial caretaker administration would restore public confidence in elections after 16 years of mistrust.
In response to a question about the International Crimes Tribunal’s directive to arrest and jail 15 former and current army officers, Rizvi said the matter falls under the legal process.
“Those proven guilty should face trial and punishment according to the law — there should be no interference,” he said, adding, “Everyone is equal before the law.”
Rizvi also said most political actors have accepted the July Charter and urged its full implementation. He alleged deep-rooted partisanship across all sectors of the state, saying, “Many senior officials had to flee the country as they could no longer stay here.”
Referring to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Rizvi said, “She once declared that their hold on power would be lifelong. But after 5 August, that mindset has shifted — even though the law-and-order situation remains unchanged.”