The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed has said the Army is not playing a policy making role in Bangladesh instead it is helping the Caretaker government to maintain law and order and prepare electoral roll with a view to holding free, fair and credible election.

"We the Army are not governing the country. Like other government bodies, we are just part of the government," he said while exchanging views with journalists at the Bangladesh Consulate office in New York.

Gen Moeen said it is painful that the Bangladesh Army was often equated with the Pakistan Army. He said, "Our Army has been born out of the Liberation War."

Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Ismat Jahan, Consul General M Shamsul Haque, Defence Adviser to the Bangladesh Embassy Brig Gen Nuruzzaman and Defence Adviser of the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN Brig Gen Ilyas Iftekhar Rasul were present at the meeting.

Replying to a question, the Army Chief said the government has respect for both Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangabandhu and Begum Khaleda Zia, wife of President Zia, who are now in jail on charges of corruption.

"We have no malice against them. They are detained on charges of corruption. It's a matter of law. If they are proved innocent - welcome," he said.

Gen Moeen said the prime goal of the present government is to quickly make the country free from corruption for establishing democracy in the country.

The Army Chief urged all to work for the country from their respective positions. "We must find out good people to lead our nation. We must remove corrupt people from politics, business and from all walks of life for a bright future," he added.

Gen Moeen said establishment of an active and neutral Election Commission and an independent and effective Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are the major successes of the Caretaker government. Now the government is actively considering the proposal for setting up a truth commission, he added. He said the present government is respectful to public opinion. "It takes into cognisance any mistakes when pointed out. Human rights situation has improved significantly in recent times."

"After completion of my service in the Army, I want to go on retirement peacefully. But I shall continue my efforts for the welfare of the people," Gen Moeen said replying to another question.

He said, "Some people want martial law and even insisting for martial law despite I repeatedly made clear the position of the Army, which, as part of the government, is playing a very important role supplementing the government's efforts for conducting a free, fair and neutral election."

The Election Commission is preparing the voter list speedily with the help of the Army, he said.

"We did not impose martial law, and also not part of the power. We are just doing our duty by helping the government to face natural disasters and eliminate corruption," Gen Moeen said adding that corruption should end for forever as in the past it had destroyed democracy.