The main opposition BNP on Wednesday placed its proposal for the polls-time interim government at the current 19th session of the 9th Parliament.
BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar tabled the proposal at about 7pm.
He placed BNP's own formula for an ad-hoc government that would be comprised of 10 advisers from two previous “successful” caretaker governments.
He said: " In 1996 and 2001, two credible elections were held under non-partisan and neutral caretaker governments, in which all parties participated… BNP is proposing that from the 20 advisers who were part of those two governments, the ruling party can propose five names and the opposition another five. These 10 will then be the advisers in the interim government that will oversee the forthcoming elections."
Opposition chief Khaleda Zia had announced this formula on Monday at a packed press conference at a city hotel, in response to the prime minister’s proposal for an all-party polls-time government.
While addressing the press, she said: “In line with the hopes and expectations of the people, I would now like to place on behalf of the BNP and 18-Party Alliance a specific proposal for the prime minister’s consideration.”
“In 1996 and 2001 under the non-party and neutral caretaker governments, two credible elections were held that were participated in by all parties. The advisers of those caretaker governments were praised by all for their neutrality. The Awami League won one of those elections and BNP the other,” she added.
The former prime minister said: “I am proposing that from those 20 advisers, the ruling party can propose five names and the opposition another five. They will be the advisers in the forthcoming election-time government.”
She also said: “I propose that on the basis of a consensus between the government and the opposition parties, a respected citizen of the country can be chosen to be the chief advisor of the interim government.”
“I hope the honourable prime minister will accept my proposal in the interest of peace, stability and democracy. I hope she will take effective steps to hold discussions between the two parties quickly on this matter,” Khaleda added.