They are only 14

No way is it possible to get 10 advisors from among the 20 who served the 1996 and 2001 caretaker governments even though Khaleda Zia wants them for a non-party election-time government.

Of the advisors to the two caretaker governments, four have died, among whom is Barrister Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed. He was an advisor to both of the caretaker cabinets.

Among those alive, businessman Syed Manjur Elahi is the only person who served as an advisor to the two interim governments.

According to the opposition leader’s offer, the Awami League has to name five former caretaker advisors and the BNP an equal number.

As such, they have to choose 10 out of the 14 former advisors if the offer is accepted by the ruling Awami League.

Among the former advisors alive, economist Wahiduddin Mahmud, an advisor to the 1996 caretaker government, and former Comptroller and Auditor General M Hafizuddin, an advisor to the 2001 caretaker government, are not keen on taking up the job.

Talking about his former colleagues, Hafizuddin said, “None of my past colleagues will agree to take charge.”

Of the advisors to the 1996 caretaker government led by Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman, Barrister Syed Ishtiaq and educationist Prof Shamsul Hoque are dead.

Eight others are still living.

They are Manjur Elahi and Wahiduddin, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, former civil servant AZM Nasiruddin, former central bank Governor Shegufta Bakht Chaudhury, academics Prof Nazma Chowdhury, and Major General (rtd) Abdur Rahman Khan and Prof Jamilur Reza Chowdhury.

Among the advisors to the caretaker government, led by Justice Latifur Rahman, in 2001, two have passed away.

They are Justice Bimolendu Bikash Chowdhury and army cardiologist Maj Gen (Retd) Moinul Hossain Chowdhury. Late Barrister Ishtiaq Ahmed was also a member to that caretaker cabinet.

Seven others are still alive.

They are Hafizuddin and Manjur Elahi, former Inspector General of Police SM Shahajahan, former civil servant Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, AKM Amanul Islam Chowdhury and businesswoman Rokia Afzal Rahman and former military doctor Brig Gen (Retd) Abdul Malek.