The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Government has lifted the embargo on indoor politics from today with a view to create congenial atmosphere for the Election Commission's dialogue with political parties.

Making the announcement through an address to the nation yesterday evening, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said his Government would hand over power to the elected representatives within the stipulated time after holding free, fair and credible general election before December 2008.

The announcement will come into effect from this (Monday) morning, he said.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels telecast his address to the nation live last night

The Chief Adviser's announcement came against the backdrop of the insistence of the Election Commission (EC) and the demand of the political parties to withdraw ban on indoor politics before the beginning of the dialogue on September 12.

"Our ultimate goal is not only to hold a peaceful election but to give democracy a permanent shape as democracy is the best way to ensure human emancipation and achieve progress," he said, adding that his Government would help the Election Commission to hold the general elections much before December 2008, if the voters' list with photographs was ready.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said the Government's efforts to create an environment free from corruption and muscle power and establishing a solid foundation of good governance will continue so that our march towards building a progressive and democratic society is not hampered in future.

In his 24-minute speech, he also covered different activities and actions of the Caretaker Government, including anti-corruption drive, preparation of voter list and voter ID cards and its future goal towards holding a free, fair and credible election.

He said to establish foundation of a corruption free, progressive democratic society in the country, his Government has implemented quick steps for the Separation of Judiciary from the Executive, freed the Election Commission Anti-Corruption Commission and Public Service Commission from political influence through reorganisation of these institutions.

"The Election Commission is now totally independent (of Government influence). It is already preparing voters' list with photographs and National ID card. The Government has allocated and disbursed necessary funds for the programmes," the Chief Adviser said.

Regarding the Armed Forces, he said, "Our Armed Forces are very professional and they have been playing a very praiseworthy role in improving law and order, taking part in relief and disaster management as well as development programmes along with participating in the peace missions under the UN for the interest of the nation.

"At present, they are significantly assisting the Caretaker Government, specially to check serious crimes, curbing corruption and terrorism and conducting relief and rehabilitation activities among the flood-hit people," he pointed out

Besides, the Chief Adviser said, the Armed Forces are also playing a significant role for the preparation of voter ID cards with photographs.

"Our Armed Forces are very much commited to provide their assistance aiming at ensuring establishment of real democracy in the country through holding a free, fair and impartial election," he said.

Referring to anti-corruption drive of the Government, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said the National Task Force on Anti-Corruption would not publish new list of corrupt people after this month.

But, he said, other agencies of the government will continue their anti- corruption activities as per law and regulations.

Stressing the need for united efforts from government and private levels to prevent corruption, he said it is not possible for the government alone to achieve final success in curbing corruption.

"It needs to exercise good wishes at individual, family, social and political levels and also practicing morality and values at all stages for building a corruption free society," he added.

The Chief Adviser said from the very beginning, the government has remained strongly determined to ensure real reflection of public opinion against corruption.

A section of corrupt people plundered thousand of crores of taka in their real and fake names in the past by misusing their power and influence, he said.

Under these circumstances, he said, the government has taken steps to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission to check their misdeeds.

"As a result of our concerted efforts different individuals have returned Tk 820 crore which they had earned through corrupt practices and other unholy means," he added.

Referring to the unfortunate incident that took place on Dhaka University campus recently, he said, although the government has fulfilled the demands of the students, but unfortunately a rowdy group indulged in destructive activities in Dhaka and other places of the country.

Elaborating the situation, the Chief Adviser said, after the unexpected incident, FIR (First Information Report) was filed against several thousand unidentified persons.

After investigation under the existing laws, police filed cases against 36 persons including four university teachers of Dhaka University and 14 students, he said, adding that the final report was submited giving amnesty to the rest of the unidentified persons.

He assured all that no case would be lodged against anyone and nobody would be harassed in this connection anymore.

The head of the Caretaker Government made a clarion call to all concerned, including teachers and students to maintain peace and discipline on the campus for the sake of ensuring congenial academic atmosphere

On price hike, he said the Government has taken steps to import 9 lakh tons of foodstuff while OMS would begin from today allover the country. Rice will be sold at Tk 19 per kg through OMS while other programmes, including food for works and 'operation dal-bath' of the BDR will continue with a view to bring down the price level during the month of Ramzan.

Chief Adviser reminded the business community that they have a social responsibility to help bring down price level as the Government has lowered interest rate of bank loan for importing essential goods.

He ensured the business community that they would not be unnecessarily harassed anymore and they could do their business without any fear and intimidation.

Referring to the devastating effect of the recent flood on the economy, he said the deluge, which badly affected 10 million people, also engulfed 39 of the total 64 districts of the country.

Highly praising the farmers for their courage to face natural calamities, he said the Government has already released funds for post-flood agricultural rehabilitation.

Regarding fresh floods, he said the Government is firmly determined to face the new situation by all possible means.

On power situation, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said generation of electricity had not increased in the past although the demand went high but the present Government has taken effective programmes to meet demand within two to three years time.