Dhaka: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul today stated that during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus last evening, the BNP expressed their desire for the current interim government to play a neutral role akin to a caretaker government.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Asif Nazrul addressed the media at the secretariat, explaining that the BNP did not specifically call for a caretaker government but rather for the interim government to maintain impartiality. He emphasized that the government is already acting neutrally and that the Chief Adviser has committed to ensuring neutrality, particularly overseeing major transfers in public administration and other sectors.
When questioned about the possibility of downsizing the advisory council during the election period, Dr Asif Nazrul clarified that no discussions or demands regarding a smaller election-time cabinet have been made. He noted that although political parties often accuse the government of bias, such accusations from all sides suggest that the government is indeed maintaining neutrality.
Dr Asif Nazrul expressed optimism that the implementation of the July Declaration would dispel any doubts regarding the government's impartiality. He also highlighted the positive role of the army in respecting judicial processes, referring to the appearance of army officials at the International Crimes Tribunal in cases related to enforced disappearances and the July Mass Uprising killing. He commended the cooperation from the army administration and senior military officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, as indicative of respect for the rule of law.