The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB/Staff Reporter, Dhaka

Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein Sunday said the caretaker government would discuss lifting of the state of emergency if the Election Commission asks for it for holding the city corporations' elections.

"The Election Commission will hold elections and fix time and dates; let them say, we will discuss it with the Chief Adviser," he told reporters who wanted to know about the withdrawal of the state of emergency.

Barrister Mainul said the state of emergency is not required for the caretaker government. "You better say whether the situation has been created to lift the state of emergency."

He said many countries were under the state of emergency for more than a year. "When it will be necessary, the state of emergency will be lifted."

The Law and Information Adviser said let the politicians make commitment that they won't go back to pre-1/11 situation. "Let them say what they have done so far to create (favourable) atmosphere. Because the emergency had to be imposed for the atmosphere they created."

He added that politicians are still speaking in their old language. A change in politics must be brought about.

He said one must think of the country's future, only election will not fulfil the purpose. "We want to listen less about election from those who could not even prepare (acceptable) voters' list." We want to see end of politics of hatred, violence and conflict, Barrister Hosein added.

Asked about the British High Commissioner's remarks that they sought clarification from the government as to when the emergency will be lifted, he said it is not that important what the foreigners want to know. "If there is no peace and discipline, our future dream will go in vain.

Mainul admitted that the caretaker government could not solve all the problems, but it is also right that general people do not want to go back to pre-1/11 situation.

Asked about lifting of emergency in Thailand, he said former Thai Prime Minister was prevented from contesting the election while 121 ex-MPs were dropped, but there was no conflict and hatred in their politics.

He said although highly educated people in Thailand are not higher than Bangladesh, but they are more developed than Bangladesh.

"Jealousy and hatred will have to be shunned to implement the objectives of our liberation war and build up the nation," he said.

The Law and Information Adviser expressed satisfaction at the peaceful observance of the Eid-ul-Azha without terrorism and extortion and people's sympathy for cyclone 'Sidr' victims.