BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said once this interim government takes the form of a caretaker administration, no person with political party links should remain in it to ensure neutrality.

“When the current government starts functioning as a caretaker administration, no one with links to any political party can be kept in it, because the very concept of a caretaker government is based on neutrality,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, the BNP leader said there is no scope for any partisan individual or anyone with party identity to be included in a non-party, neutral polls-time government.

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Rizvi said that the polls-time caretaker must demonstrate neutrality and non-partisanship to regain people’s confidence. “If those who lost faith in the voting system over the past 16 years see that the government is acting properly, they will begin to trust again.”

He also said a free and fair election will not be possible if officials involved in the “wrongdoings and unlawful acts” of the past 15–16 years of autocratic rule remain in the administration.

“Those who worked to protect the fascists and committed illegal acts must be identified and brought under the law. Many of them acted openly. Unless they are removed, a fair election cannot be held,” Rizvi said.

Asked about the sending of 15 serving military officers to jail in connection with two enforced disappearance cases and a July uprising killing case filed under the International Crimes Tribunal, Rizvi said these matters are part of the legal process and the law will take its own course.

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“Those who have committed crimes will be tried, and of course this must happen through the legal process. There will be no interference,” he said.

The BNP leader said those accused will have the opportunity to prove their innocence in court. “If the court finds them guilty, they must face punishment accordingly. Everyone is equal before the law. People will accept whatever the law decides; that is only natural,” he added.

Referring to the July Charter, Rizvi said almost all parties have accepted it and called for the implementation of its pledges.

After August 5, he said, many people’s attitudes have changed, although the law and order situation has yet to show much improvement.

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Rizvi also mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced a plan to plant 25 crore trees if the party returns to power, as part of efforts to protect the environment and restore ecological balance.