Caretaker govt, forget about it!

Awami League General Secretary yesterday urged the BNP leaders to take part in elections shaking off the thought of a caretaker government.

"The elections will be held in the country like in other democratic countries across the globe. So, BNP leaders especially Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir should remove the ghost of the caretaker government from their heads and participate in the elections...," said Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, reports BSS. 

The minister said this at a discussion organised by Awami Swechchhasebak League, the volunteer wing of AL, at the auditorium of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University on the occasion of the 76th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

During the polls, the government will conduct its routine duties, he said, adding that the Election Commission will have the main responsibility.

Besides, the law enforcement agencies of the government will also be under the EC, he said.

"Who will run the country in the absence of a government? Should we give the country to your (BNP leaders) hands?" he questioned.

He urged all AL men not to get involved in activities that will tarnish the image of the party. "I would like to make it clear that those who commit crimes in the name of affiliated organisations of Awami League will not be spared…," he added.

'NO SCOPE TO GO BACK'

Meanwhile, Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday also said there is no scope to go back to the caretaker government system as the apex court of the country has declared the system illegal.

The law minister made the comment while replying to queries from newsmen after attending a meeting organised at a city hotel on the occasion of World Transports Day.

Replying to another query, he said the human rights situation in Bangladesh has improved as the government has progressed a lot in developing the rights situation.

"I think the US ambassador should have observed the situation staying here for some more days to comment on this issue," he said.

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury also spoke at the event.