BNP senior leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday called on the interim government to fully adopt the role of a neutral caretaker administration by removing advisers whose presence may undermine its credibility.

He said such a move is essential to ensure a fair and peaceful national election.

Speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal at Jatiya Press Club, Khasru stressed that the interim administration must distance itself from controversy and act strictly within the principles of a constitutional caretaker government.

“My request is that the interim government immediately move into full caretaker mode and embody the features of a truly neutral administration,” he said. “This will help pave the way for a credible election and a peaceful political transition.”

He expressed respect for Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus but urged him to ensure that his administration maintains neutrality by distancing itself from any individuals who could compromise its impartiality.

“We want him to leave with dignity, but also to ensure that no controversial individuals remain in the government,” Khasru said. “Their presence casts doubt on the neutrality of the administration and may raise serious questions about the fairness of the electoral process.”
He pointed to recent transfers and government decisions as evidence that certain individuals may be influencing the interim government’s operations.

Khasru argued that anyone linked to a political party or planning to contest the next election should not be part of the interim setup.
“Caretaker means neutral. If someone is controversial or politically aligned, they simply cannot serve that role,” he noted.
Khasru also warned that the continuation of controversial figures in the interim government could jeopardise public trust and damage the credibility of the upcoming election.

He urged the government to refrain from making major decisions and to limit its actions to essential, routine functions.

“Any significant decision at this stage will lead to questions. The interim government must strictly adhere to the caretaker model as outlined in the Constitution,” he said.

The BNP leader criticised the absence of an elected government for over 15 months, saying it has led to a breakdown of accountability across sectors, from administration and law enforcement to education.
“In a democracy, the bridge between the government and the people is elected representatives,” he said. “That bridge has been missing for too long.”

Khasru reiterated BNP’s commitment to peaceful political engagement and democratic norms. “We are not creating chaos in the streets. We want change through the ballot box, not through force,” he said.
Calling on all political parties to prepare for the upcoming election, he urged them to seek the people’s mandate instead of resorting to agitation. “The time for street movements is over. It is now time to present your vision to the people and earn their trust through the vote.”

He concluded by stressing the importance of restoring people’s ownership of the country through a credible election process.
“Our only demand is to return power to the rightful owners; the people of Bangladesh, through a free, fair, and inclusive election.”