BNP sought impartial role, not caretaker govt: Law adviser

BNP has not demanded a caretaker government but instead sought an impartial role from the current interim government during the next national election, said Law Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul, report agencies.

Talking to reporters at the Secretariat in the capital on Wednesday, the adviser clarified that during Tuesday's meeting between the BNP and the government, they (BNP) did not call for reinstating a caretaker system.

"What I understood from the discussion is that the BNP did not ask for a caretaker government. They said the interim government should act neutrally, like a caretaker government," he said.

The party (BNP) wanted a neutral role from the government who assured them that they (government) are already maintaining neutrality, and the Chief Adviser himself has guaranteed this, he said.

The head of the government will personally oversee major administrative transfers and postings to ensure fairness, Asif Nazrul said.

When asked whether the Council of Advisers would be downsised during the election period, he replied that no such issue was discussed anywhere. "It is a matter for the Council of Advisers. No party has made any demand to reduce its size."

Meanwhile, the adviser has lauded the way army officers were presented before the International Crimes Tribunal, describing it as a remarkable demonstration of respect for the judicial process.

"The way the army personnel appeared before the tribunal, along with the cooperation extended by senior military officials, including the army chief, deserve high praise. Their respect for the rule of law is very encouraging," he said.