"Since we have not assumed power with the mandate of politicians, we are not bound to follow their instructions. We assumed power with people's mandate to hold a fair election and free the country from corruption," he told reporters at PID auditorium.

The advisers declined to make any comment when asked about the renewed arrests of politicians.

He said, "Anti-corruption drive is on, but all are not picked up on corruption charges. Some have been picked up for gathering information about corruption."

About the possibility of arrest of Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, Mainul said it is not his responsibility to speak about them.

About Hasina's remarks that the government's ongoing drive is against politics, not corruption, the adviser said he is not interested to make any comment on any politician's remark.

"Politicians make their observations and it is their responsibility. I don't want to comment about their remarks," he said.

Asked about the reasons behind the arrest of senior Awami League leaders, he said, "You can go to the Anti-Corruption Commission and the home ministry for information about that."