BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has demanded that anyone with party affiliations serving in the interim government be removed, warning that a free and fair election would be impossible otherwise.

Speaking at a press conference held at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan on Wednesday, Rizvi said that if individuals linked to any political party remain within the administration, they cannot be allowed to stay because the very concept of a caretaker government is non‑partisanship. “If it is non‑partisan, there is no place for advisers or officials with party identities,” he said.

Rizvi added that those involved in various wrongdoing over the past 15 years, and those who have protected fascists or carried out unlawful acts, cannot be retained in the administration if a free and fair election is to be held. “Many did not remain hidden — some openly collaborated. They must be identified and brought under the law,” he said.

He argued that when the interim government takes on the role of a caretaker administration, it should be non‑partisan and neutral so that trust can be restored among those who have lost faith in the electoral process over the past 16 years.

Responding to a question about the arrest and imprisonment orders for 15 former and current military officers in two International Crimes Tribunal cases, Rizvi said these matters fall under legal procedure. “What the law prescribes will take place — those who are guilty should be tried. There should be no interference in the legal process. Those accused must prove they are not guilty; if the court finds them guilty, they must face the punishment prescribed by the court — the law treats everyone equally.”