The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

As the judicial organ of the State will be fully independent to dispense justice, lawyers across the country will observe November 1 as the Judiciary Separation Day.

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) took the decision marking the lawyers victory over a long-standing battle to set an independent judiciary in the country. The district bar associations across the country also endorsed the decision.

SCBA president Barrister M Amir-ul Islam announced this decision at an impromptu press conference at the Bar Hall room yesterday. SCBA Secretary AM Amin Uddin was present.

The SCBA denounced the administrative cadre officials stand against freeing the judiciary from the control of the executive and demanded disciplinary action against some officials for violating their service rules, showing disregard to the Supreme Court (SC) judgment and the Constitution.

"Their comments echo the mindset of the vested interested group of bureaucrats," Barrister Amir said adding "it is tantamount to contempt of court and liable to be prosecuted."

He further said already 13 bureaucrats, including four top secretaries, are facing contempt-of-court charges for distorting the Supreme Court edicts on judiciary separation and impeding the separation process.

The leading lawyer thanked the present caretaker government for separating the judiciary in line with the constitution and the 12-point directive of the apex court given about eight years ago, as the past political governments kept it hanging for long on different pleas.

Advocate Khondker Mahbub Hossain, interim vice-chairman of Bangladesh Bar Council, a statutory body regulating the lawyers, also came down heavily on the field-level administrative cadre officers for their activities against the separation of judiciary.

He urged the government to take "legal actions" against them. "The court may also issue suo moto contempt-of-court proceedings against them," he said.

Meanwhile, the process for reshuffling the administration and field level judicial officials are advancing in line with the directives of the Supreme Court to separating the judiciary from the executive by November 1.

Supreme Court Registrar Ikteder Ahmed, who heads the monitoring committee for the separation of the judiciary, informed that the newly appointed judicial magistrates have already started joining their respective courts.

District judges around the country were sent letters Sunday containing directives from the Supreme Court on how judicial magistrates are to discharge their duties in future.

The amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code will come into effect on November 1. The change will see magistrates' judicial work come under the control of the district and sessions judges instead of the district magistrate.

Chief Justice M Ruhul Amin would ceremonially launch the historic event of separating the judiciary from the executive control over the subordinate courts at the district court in Old Dhaka.

Our Court Correspondent adds: Former Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge of Dhaka AKM Enamul Haque yesterday joined as the first Chief Judicial Magistrate of Dhaka, while Shawkot Ali Chowdhury, Sultan Mahmud and Golam Rabbani joined as Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate. Of the ten six others: Md. Shafin Uddin, Mrs Shahnaz Sultana, Md Waliul Islam, Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Md Habibur Rahman Siddiqui and Md Emran Hossain Chowdhury yesterday joined as Judicial Metropolitan Magistrates.

Meanwhile, members of the Judiciary Separation Committee of the Supreme Court yesterday had exchange of views with the lawyers, law officers and concerned Judicial Magistrates including the new Chief Judicial Magistrate at the conference room of Dhaka Judges' Court.

On behalf of the seven-member committee Justice Mirza Hossain Haider and Justice Quamrul Islam Siddiqui were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, both the judges of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court sought the cooperation from the Bar, while the lawyers categorically pledged to cooperate with the judiciary in the separation process.

On behalf of the lawyers, President of Dhaka Bar Association Fakir Delwar Hossain, General Secretary Golam Mostafa Khan, senior law officers, former law officers and some other senior lawyers addressed the gathering. While exchanging views, some lawyers apprehended some difficulties at the initial stage of the separation of the judiciary from the executive. However, they were optimistic of the successful implementation of the separation process overcoming the bottleneck. District and Sessions Judge of Dhaka AKM Istiaque Hossain was in the chair.

Staff Reporter

Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Information Barrister Mainul Hosein yesterday hoped that the much-awaited separation of judiciary from the executive would be effective in a nice and congenial atmosphere from November 1 through an understanding among all concerned.

"We are discussing matters related to the separation of judiciary with all concerned including the leaders of administrative cadre. Discussion and process are progressing satisfactorily," he said while talking to journalists at one stage of the meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Administrative Services Association at his office.

The Law Adviser termed the meeting fruitful and positive saying that the separation of judiciary would be separated from the executive within the stipulated time. The meeting discussed on how the separation of judiciary will be effected through understanding, he said.

Barrister Mainul, however, said no final decision was taken in the meeting; rather the discussion would be continued.

Asked whether the deadline of November 1 for separation of judiciary will remain unchanged he replied in the positive saying, "Insha Allah."

Meeting sources said, the leaders of Bangladesh Administrative Services Association led by its President Moniruzzaman Khan, the Rector of Public Administration Training Centre, apprised the Law Adviser that some extreme statements made by a couple of members of the association on Sunday were their own, not of the association.

Some other members had protested those statements during 90-munite-long meeting.

According to sources, the leaders of the administration cadre explained their seven-point recommendations which they claimed would help overcome disparity in service benefits of officers of different cadres.

Moniruzzaman Khan told reporters that the administration cadre members would work for the separation of judiciary as would be instructed by the Government.

Secretary General of the association Kamaluddin, the Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka, hoped that the judiciary would be separated from the executive from November 1 and the Government would make necessary arrangements for this.

He said they discussed different aspects of the separation of the judiciary from the executive. The discussion would continue.

"Everything would be done to help run the government's administration smoothly," he added.

The 10-member delegation also include Secretary for Land Mosleh Uddin, Secretary for Information Didarul Anwar, Acting Secretary for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Kazi Habibul Awal, Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka Ikram Ahmed, Director General of the BIAM Dr Md Sadeque and Mahmudur Rahman.

Pulack Ghatack

Eminent jurists of the country yesterday opposed the demand raised by some administration cadre officials for suspension of separating the judiciary from executive saying that it was a settled issue.

They urged the public servants to obey the Supreme Court (SC) directive in a responsible manner.

While talking to this correspondent Dr Kamal Hossain said the matter has been settled once for all. The Supreme Court has directed it almost seven years ago. The Court later reviewed everything and gave detailed directions. Successive adjournments also have been taken and finally rules have been drawn for the implementation of it."

"Everyone should respect the Supreme Court order. All responsible persons should be sincere about it," said the eminent lawyer adding, "It is not desirable that any responsible person would oppose the Supreme Court order and the law."

Prominent lawyer Barrister Amirul Islam who was the counsel in Masder Hussain's case, popularly known as 'separation of judiciary case', from which arose the court's 12-point directives, gave an exclusive interview in this regard.

He expressed surprise about the response of administration cadre officials and urged them not to trigger unnecessary debate on the issue, which is a "settled one.

"The issue I can see with regard to the separation of judiciary is already a settled matter. Furthermore, it does not in any way affect the other cadres of Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS)," he said.

Barrister Amirul termed the process of the separation of judiciary as "unalterable." "The Government cannot change it. Even the SC cannot change it because the SC has already exercised its power," he said.

The constitutional expert said that the civil servants were bound under constitution and under law to abide by the decisions of the highest Court of the land.

He said, Article 12 of the constitution mandates the State to separate the judiciary from executive. Despite such a mandate there has been a long delay of almost one and a half decade.

Second time, it was settled by the Supreme Court in Masder Hussain case, which was again seven years old. Thirdly, the CrPC was amended by this government bisecting the executive magistrates from judicial magistrates.

He said this amendment facilitated the implementation of the judgement. In that amendment the Supreme Court was assigned the responsibility for deciding the date for the bifurcation to be affected.

Barrister Amirul said the Supreme Court, having thus being designated by the law, exercised its power accordingly, followed by a full Court session. So the Supreme Court has exercised its power. Accordingly this has been gazetted.

He said, "Once this has been exercised no one can now change it. Not even the Supreme Court, because the SC has already exercised its power and once exercised it become functus officio. The Government can also not change it. It is unalterable."

Barrister Amirul said the civil servants are bound under constitution and under law to abide by the decisions of the highest Court of the land. Citing Article 112 of the Constitution he said, "All authorities, executive and judicial, in the republic, shall act in aid of the Supreme Court."

There is no option therefore, other than to act in compliance with the SC's decision. Besides, I do not see any difficulty for the magistrates of act as the executive magistrates in dealing with any situation of natural calamities or in any campaigning against adulterated foods or in disconnecting any utility service or others.

He said I have much faith and respect in the members of the BCS cadre. If this matter is properly explained to them, they could not possibly have any grievances.

He said there is no scope for the executive to act or think in isolation. Every organ must remember that all powers belong to the people and anyone exercising the power of the republic exercises within the bound of the Constitution and law.

Power is a sacred trust, he said. It does not belong to the individual or any cadre or group or sector. They only exercise the power on behalf of the people as designated under the Constitution, he added.

He said we must all realise that the country is going through a difficult time and we must act together in order to overcome the difficulty. We must not introduce unnecessary debate on issues, which are settled and conducted.

Staff Reporter

Additional security measures have been taken at the Bangladesh Secretariat in the wake of the opposition of administration cadre to the separation of judiciary and its threat to launch a movement, said the security officials yesterday.

Besides, intelligence monitoring has been increased in and around the Secretariat, they said.

Officials of the administration cadre expressed their strong resentment at the government's move for separation of judiciary at a seminar at the city's BIAM auditorium on Sunday.

They demanded of the government that the decision for separation of judiciary from the executive ought to be kept withheld until an elected government takes over power.

On the other hand, a meeting of the Secretary Committee for the Development of the Administration was held at the Cabinet Division conference room yesterday morning. It was presided over by Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder.

The meeting discussed in detail about the development of the administration.

After the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary was asked to comment on the crisis created over the government's move of separation of judiciary. He, however, declined to make any comment, saying that he would talk later about the matter.

Staff Reporter

The remarks by the administrative cadre officers opposing separation of the judiciary from the executive control drew sharp reaction from various corners of the society. Leading lawyers have termed the meeting of the administrative cadre officials as tantamount to 'contempt of court'.

Bangladesh Civil Service Coordination Committee that represents several cadres other than the administration Monday stood against any effort to halt the separation plan.

In a statement to media, the committee accused the administration cadre of conspiring against the plan.

"No sane person can accept such a disorder from one group of cadre out of 29 cadres of the public administration," the statement signed by the committee's publicity secretary Mushtaq Hossain.

It said it was clear that the judiciary could not be separated from the executive because of the administration cadre's "ill-intent".

"The matter of the separation is part of the democratic system," it said.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) yesterday suggested the Government to go ahead with its judiciary separation plan. CPB president Monjurul Ahsan Khan and General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim in a joint statement expressed surprise and concern about the negative response of administration cadre officials.

The CPB leaders, however, said that a few amendments were necessary to the existing rules for further ensuring independence of the Judiciary. At the same time, they suggested the Government to come out of the complexities through dialogue with the representatives of the administration cadre officers.

Dhaka Bar Association president Advocate Fakir Delwar Hossain and general secretary Advocate Golam Mostafa Khan in a joint statement to the press said: "The holding of the meeting by the administrative officials and speaking against the verdict of the court amounted to contempt of court."

Dhaka Metropolitan Bar Association president Advocate Shah Iliyas Ratan in a statement said, "The lawyers' community will not tolerate any conspiracy against the separation of the judiciary from the executive branch."

Staff Reporter

A special taskforce started monitoring the activities of the officials and employees of the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) yesterday.

The taskforce would run its operations through a special cell set up in the DCC. It was agreed at a meeting held at the Nagar Bhaban yesterday.

The task force, which will start its work through a special cell at the room below the Mayor's Cell of the Nagar Bhaban, will also look into corruption there, which was committed at different periods, said a DCC official.

DCC Mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka and a six-member delegation of the task force led by Lt Col Sultanuzzaman Md Salehuddin worked out the details. The taskforce sat with the heads of different departments of the DCC after meeting with the Mayor.

After the meeting the Mayor said, "The taskforce will help to smoothen the DCC's operations. They will look into our service rules and joint works with other organisations. They will also probe our previous activities."

The taskforce would look into irregularities in the tender process, if any, he added.

Asked if the taskforce would open an office at the DCC, the Mayor said, "Previously they came and investigated the specific complaints. But after discussions, it appears to us that they have a lot of work to do and it's not possible for them to come and go frequently. They will work here and we will help them."

He also said that the DCC had sent a letter to the Chief Adviser for reforms in the organisation. This might be the reason why the taskforce had come here, he added.

Lt Col Salehuddin said, "We are at a primary stage of the job. We will look for the problems in the DCC. We will try to make the DCC more effective and also look into matter of reforms."

The Mayor said the task force would look into everything including strengthening the organogram and laws of the DCC. Smelling the presence of Army, all DCC officials and employees became extra cautious and the contractors and visitors left the Nagar Bhaban immediately.

DCC Chief Executive Office Golam Mostafa told reporters that the task force sought suggestions from them on how to run the DCC more effectively.

Some Army personnel took position at different points of the Nagar Bhaban yesterday. The group left the Bhaban at 5:00pm.

Staff Reporter

The Awami League will take part in the dialogue on electoral reforms with the Election Commission on November 4.

Party Central Working Committee (ALCWC) took the decision yesterday at a meeting with Acting AL President Zillur Rahman in the chair at its Dhanmondi office.

Disclosing this after the meeting, Zillur Rahman told journalists that a sub-committee would be formed to workout party strategy and reform proposal to be placed before with the Election Commission (EC) during the talks.

The meeting demanded unconditional release of AL President Sheikh Hasina and other detained leaders, including General Secretary Abdul Jalil, and withdrawal of their cases.

In a resolution, the meeting said the party would continue its efforts through legal and constitutional means to free Sheikh Hasina.

The meeting called for immediate lifting of the state of emergency and restriction on political activities across the country.

It urged the Government to complete the trial process of the Bangabandhu Murder Case immediately and execute the court order of death penalty against of the killers.

In a separate, the meeting called for bringing prices of essentials within the reach of common people and setting up a price control authority to control the market.

The meeting expressed concern over serious fertilizer crisis at the outset of Rabi crop after the floods that caused huge damage to crops. It urged the government to ensure adequate fertilizer and other inputs to the farmers.

The meeting also called for providing subsidy for agricultural inputs and agriculture loan on soft terms and also exempt outstanding agriculture and weaving loan.

The AL working committee also demanded the release of all teachers and students of Dhaka and Rajshahi universities, who were arrested after the students' rioting.

It decided to observe the Jail Killing Day on November 3.

Forty-three members of the ALCWC, including six Presidium members, attended the meeting that was adjourned till 11:00am on November 1.

UNB, Chittagong

All the nine residential halls of Chittagong University reopened on Monday amid tight security after two months' closure in the wake of Aug 22 campus unrest. Classes will resume on Wednesday.

Students were returning to halls as RAB and police checking their identity card. Law enforcers were patrolling inside the campus and vantage points to ward off untoward incident.

Meanwhile, warrant of arrest was issued Monday against eight of the 10 charge-sheeted accused in the Aug 22 campus violence case. They are student leaders Kanchan Sarker, Jamiruddin Russell, Moni Dipa Bhattacharya, Mesbahuddin, Zahidul Islam alias Black Jewel, Daily Sangram correspondent Mahiuddin Tipu, CU employees association leader Syed Nazimuddin and CU officers' association president Zakir Ahmed.

Two others - Bijoy Kumar was arrested on September 2 while Monti Baishnab on September 18. Monti was later enlarged on bail. Charge sheet against all the accused was submitted to the court today. More than 50 people, including 20 policemen, were injured in the student violence that had escalated to the streets.

DU Correspondent

Dhaka University residential halls will reopen today amid tight security.

All the Halls will reopen simultaneously at 10:00am and students will be allowed to enter their respective dormitories after producing their identity cards. The classes will resume from October 28.

No police personnel will be deployed in the Halls but the house tutors will guide the students in every floor.

University authority has taken tight security measures on the campus ahead of the reopening of the campus. Police forces will be deployed in different spots on the campus.

Hall Provosts held a meeting with the House Tutors last night and took some decisions. Students have to show their ID cards on entry and have to stay in their allotted rooms are some of the main decisions taken at the meeting.

Earlier, a delegation of teachers belonging to the Blue Panel met with the Vice-chancellor (VC) Prof SMA Faiz and made a request to ensure freeing of the arrested teachers.

Leader of the delegation Prof AAMS Arefin Siddiqui demanded the release of the arrested teachers and students before the reopening of the university and withdrawal of the cases filed against teachers and students.

He said congenial atmosphere on the campus would only return if the detained teachers were freed otherwise it would remain uncertain.

Meanwhile, another delegation of teachers belonging to the White Panel met with the VC and discussed the same issues.

Vice-chancellor Prof SMA Faiz said in a briefing that every teacher of the university demands reopening of the university. So, there is no impediment to its reopening, he said.

DU VC said there is no relation between the freeing of teachers with the reopening of the university.

But they were in constant touch with the government in this regard, he added.

He assured the teachers and students that they would not be harassed any further and hoped that it would be possible to reduce session jam, if examinations were held in time after the reopening of the university.

Pro VC Prof Yusuf Haider, Treasurer Prof Abul Kalam Azad, Proctor Prof AK Firoz Ahmed and Provost of Ekushey Hall Prof Akhter Hossain, among others, were present in the briefing.

Staff Reporter

Former NBR chairman Badiur Rahman, who was removed and transferred to the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management as the secretary following the allegation of realising taxes from people forcibly, will go on voluntary retirement from November 22.

Before going to retirement, he went on one month's leave with effect from yesterday (Monday).

"I have submitted an application to the Ministry of Establishment on Thursday seeking voluntary retirement. I feel the voluntary retirement is honourable for me," Badiur told reporters yesterday after meeting with his colleagues in the NBR and handing over the charge to new NBR Chairman Mohammed Abdul Mazid.

"I could not discharge my duties here (NBR) and also would not be able to discharge my duties three (Ministry of Food and Disaster Management)," he said. "What's the guarantee that I would not have to face any transfer there," he asked.

Badiur alleged that he was removed from the NBR as he failed to win the heart of his "master." "I could not have to face transfer if my master were happy over me evaluating nine months of performances of mine in the NBR," he said.

He said he was transferred as the government did not consider him eligible for the post of NBR chairman. "That is why I have been transferred to the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management."

Badiur said he had a difference of opinion with the IMF over the fixation of 17 per cent revenue earning target for the current fiscal year. "The IMF said 17 per cent revenue earning target was ambitious, but I told them what was their problem if I could achieve that target going on in my own way," he said.

He also blamed the businessmen, politicians and professionals for criticising his role at a meeting on September 5 last.

He said he applied for voluntary retirement to the Ministry of Establishment on October 18 drawing a conclusion to his 28 year long service in the government.

Replying to a question, he said he has no scope to comeback again as

the NBR chairman.

Responding to another question, Badiur claimed that he did not realize tax from anyone forcibly.

Badiur also submitted another application along with the leave and

retirement applications for expediting his outstanding financial

compensation.

He will receive Tk 30 lakh as one-tome retirement benefit from the government. "I want to pass the rest of my life with this amount," he said.

Meanwhile, new NBR chairman Abdul Mazid yesterday said his main objective was to increase revenue earning and bringing dynamism to the business and economy.

"Right now, my main objective is to enhance the revenue earning. At the same time, I intend to take initiative to bring dynamism to the trade and commerce," he said.

BSS, Dhaka

President Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed will leave here for New York on October 30 on a seven-day official visit to the USA. He will be accompanied by his wife Professor Dr. Anwara Begum.

The President will arrive in New York on October 31 via Dubai by a regular flight of the Emirates Airlines, said a Bangabhaban press release on Monday. During the visit, the President will attend functions in Ohio and New Orleans. On November 1, he will visit Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Centre. On the following day, he will deliver a speech on "The Education System of Bangladesh" at the Ohio State University.

The President will stay in Ohio on November 3 and arrive in New Orleans on November 4.

On November 5, he will present a scientific paper on "Bangladesh problems of global warming, land inundation and arsenic poisoning" at a conference in New Orleans to be jointly organised by the Soil Science Society of America, the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America.

He will also attend a reception and awards programme by the Soil Science Society of America.

On November 6, the President will leave New Orleans for New York. On November 7, he will leave New York to arrive in Dhaka on November 8.

The President's entourage will include the Military Secretary and Secretary to the President and other officials concerned.

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has appointed 11 primary inquiry officers against 11 suspected corrupts out of the 35 on the Commission's 4th list.

The 11 suspected corrupts are Dhaka City Corporation mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka, Awami League presidium members Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury and Tofail Ahmed, former BNP state minister Major (retd) Kamrul Islam, former Finance Minister Saifur Rahman's son Shafiur Rahman Babu, former Awami League MP AKM Rahmatullah, former Adviser of caretaker government Justice Fazlul Haque, former BNP MP and BRTC chairman Taimur Alam Khandaker, former Communication Secretary Rezaul Hayat, deputy secretary Shamsul Alam, and RAJUK's building inspector and CBA president Amir Khasru.

The ACC published its 4th list of 35 suspected corrupts on October 4. Others in the list are AL presidium member Kazi Zafarullah, Khulna City Corporation Mayor and BNP leader Sheikh Tayebur Rahman, former BNP MP and chairman of Bangladesh Red Crescent Shahidul Haq Jamal, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader and former primary and mass education adviser to ex-PM Prof Jahanara Begum, former BNP state minister for Energy AKM Mosharaf Hossain, former BNP deputy minister Asadul Habib Dulu, former BNP MPs Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul, Ilyas Ali, Fazlul Haque Milon, Abul Khair Bhuiyan, Prof Joinal Abedin alias VP Joinal and Dr Dewan Salahuddin, former Jatiya Party MP Moshiur Rahman Ranga, former Law Secretary Alauddin Sarder, former AL state minister KM Jahangir, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's APS-2 Abdul Matin (deputy secretary), Proshika chairman Kazi Faruque Ahmed, former managing director of Essential Drugs Company Ltd Harun Al Rashid, former PM Sheikh Hasina's APS Alauddin Nasim (deputy secretary), former Chhatra League presidents Ishaq Ali Khan Panna and Enamul Haque Shamim, former chairman of Srimongal pourasava Mohsin Miah alias Modhu, Rajshahi City BNP general secretary Shish Mohammad and former managing director of Teletalk M Obaidullah. "The primary inquiry officers against rest of the corrupt suspects will be appointed in phases as part of the Commission's ongoing process," ACC secretary Mukhles ur Rahman told reporters at a regular press briefing of the Commission on Monday.

He informed that the inquiry officer in the Tk 3 crore corruption case against Sheikh Hasina and six others has given written prayer to the Court for questioning her at the sub-jail. The graft case was filed with Tejgaon police station on September 2. "Anyone can serve legal notice, but it doesn't mean the inquiry process against her will be stopped," Mukhles said. "We will follow the directive of the Supreme Court."

About the allegation against Home Secretary Abdul Karim that he had amassed assets beyond his known sources of income, he said it was found to be false after primary investigation.

ACC secretary said: "From now the complainants have been asked to appear before the Commission after submitting his allegation against someone. Legal action will be taken against the persons if their allegation is proved false, fabricated and motivated." Any false accuser would have to suffer 2-7 years imprisonment as per section 511 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, he added. The Commission has already lodged 89 First Information Reports (FIRs) at different police stations. Of these, verdicts were given in 15 cases, 26 are in trial stage and the remaining 48 are still under investigation.

Staff Reporter

Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed has asserted that the independence of judiciary will be made effective from November 1 next.

"It's an epoch-making step in ensuring good governance in the country, which will have to take forward in phases," he said while speaking at a gathering of Bangladeshi expatriates at Delton Club in Hamarok, on the suburb of Boston city on Sunday.

The Army Chief said the necessity of separating the judiciary was due long before, but it could not have been done because of political interest.

"Massive reforms are necessary for consolidating democracy and making Bangladesh a stable country for the welfare of the people.

"For this reason, the present caretaker government has decided to separate the judiciary from the executive," he said.

General Moeen observed that one of the principal agendas of three previous elected governments was to separate the judiciary from the executive, but they did not do that.

"The present caretaker government has done it," he said.

In order to ensure the functioning of the judiciary freely, he laid emphasis on increasing manpower at different levels. "It's necessary to mobilize sincere and dedicated persons because a free judiciary requires a large number of judges," he said.

"How we will get those judges? That is why a plan has been chalked out to train the magistrates," he said.

General Moeen said those who raised objections to the move of separation of the judiciary from the executive, they would also feel the benefit of it in future.

The Army Chief said the present caretaker government has already brought reforms in the Election Commission, Public Service Commission, and Anti-Corruption Commission for holding free, fair and acceptable polls.

General Moeen said the anti-corruption drive will continue in the country so that the corrupted persons cannot influence elections in future.

"The election will be held within next 14 months and more reforms and changes will take place before the polls," he said.

The government is considering holding election at the upazila level before the general polls, he told the gathering.

The Army Chief said the government is sincerely trying to keep the New York-Dhaka flight of Bangladesh Biman in service and he had already discussed the issue with the concerned officials considering the interest of the expatriates.

The government has many things to do for the remittance earners and is firmly committed to giving priority to their interest, he said.

The Army Chief told the expatriates that when they would leave the country, their only identity is that they are Bangladeshis.

In his 28-minute address, General Moeen said, "All of you know how the present caretaker government took over power. This government has come to power to reestablish the democracy," he said.

General Moeen said the army is part of a part of the population and where they will go leaving the country.

The function was presided over by a local expatriate businessman Shahin Khan. It was addressed by Syed Nuruzzaman.

The Army Chief will address the John F Kennedy School of Governance of Harvard University today. He will leave the United States for China tomorrow.