Advisors to the caretaker governments of 1996 and 2001, whom BNP chief Khaleda Zia wants in her proposed interim government, would not like to be a part of it, two of them have said.
Economist Wahiduddin Mahmud, who was an advisor to the caretaker government, headed by Justice Habibur Rahman in 1996, said, “I have not given this a thought. I have a lot of work. Why will I waste my time on this?”
M Hafizuddin Khan of the 2001 caretaker government headed by Justice Latifur Rahman said, “I don’t think anyone who was advisor during our time would agree.”
The two former caretaker advisors spoke to bdnews24.com when contacted after BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s press conference at Dhaka’s Hotel Westin on Monday evening.
The BNP Chairperson rejected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s proposal of an all-party interim government to place her own version of a poll-time government.
She proposed that the BNP and the Awami League each select five members from the 20 advisors of the past two caretaker governments formed in 1996 and 2001.
A respectable and neutral citizen acceptable to all could head the 10 advisors, she said.
When Hafizuddin was asked if he wanted to be a part of such a government, he said, “After we completed our duties (in 2001) some said the polls had been rigged. Why take on new accusations?”
The former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) said he was uninterested because the proposal came from a political group.
“I have worked neutrally for this long. I stand to lose the impartial image if I take sides.”
BNP has been carrying on a long campaign to revive the caretaker government system but the ruling Awami League is determined not let unelected people assume power.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) trustee board member Hafizuddin said he would soon leave the country for two months. “I won’t be the country, and why take all this blame? I do not think those who were with us will agree.”
“I am not aware of these political discussions. I don’t track their news. There are so many other things to ponder about.”
When Wahiduddin Mahmud was told about Hafizuddin’s view that the past advisors would not agree to join Khaleda’s proposed cabinet, he said, “He is well aware of these matters, and says it well.”
The opposition chief’s dismissal of Prime Minister’s offer and counter proposal creates ground for further uncertainties in Bangladesh politics.
About this, Hafizuddin said the main opposition’s proposal reflected what they had been campaign for long. Likewise, the ruling party proposal was in keeping with their stand against letting unelected people take charge.
“There is a huge gap between the two proposals. But discussions can make a lot of things possible.”
Hafizuddin refused to say if Khaleda’s proposal was positive or negative but advised the warring sides to hold talks.
Source: Bd news24
