The New Nation - Internet Edition

Following is the English rendering of the address to the nation of Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed delivered last evening:

Bismillahir Rahamanir Rahim

My dear countrymen,

Assalamu Alaikum.

At the outset I recall with deep respect our legendary national leaders, fearless freedom fighters of the great liberation war, whose supreme sacrifices and unparalleled contributions led to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh in the world map today.

Right on this day just one year ago, I took oath as the Chief Adviser of the non-partisan caretaker government in a critical juncture of the nation. Expressing my total allegiance to the sacred constitution of the country, I took up the responsibility to run the government in the interest of people's happiness, prosperity and maintaining flourishment of democracy.

We have crossed one year moving through a turbulent and difficult road. I hope the way you extended your cooperation and moral support to the epoch making programmes of the government during this one year, similarly, I expect you will continue to provide with such all out support for the rest of the period.

As you know, I have recast my council of advisers in the last week. Five advisers have resigned. Five new advisers were appointed in their places. Side by side a few special assistants have also been appointed. I believe this change will enhance the vigor and efficiency in the overall running of the government.

Surely you remember that under what a chaotic and violent situation the state of emergency was promulgated and we had to take up this tough responsibility. So, in my first speech to the nation, I said, the main challenge of the caretaker government will be to organize a free and fair election in order to maintain political and social order, upholding and consolidating the democratic administrative system, and keeping the wheels of progress and prosperity of the country moving. I told, our future has to be made more bright, more work oriented. It is you to judge what we have achieved so far.

Dear countrymen,

First, I want to discuss the most worrying and problem ridden issue like present price hike of commodities. The overall prices of rice, oil, wheat and some essential commodities have increased to such a level that this has created an intolerable situation for the citizens of the country, particularly for the people with limited income. Two consecutive large scale floods in one year coupled with catastrophic cyclone 'Sidr' have severely hit the food production and distribution system side by side causing various other damages. As a result of this, the food deficit is likely to reach at 15 lakh tons. You have seen our all out efforts to face this unusual situation. But, unfortunately, along with other commodities the price of rice in the international market reached a new height. The price of wheat doubled in one year. The price of a barrel oil touched 100 dollar.

In order to face the situation we have decided to import 10 lakh tons of rice officially on an emergency basis. Out of this, an agreement for the import of three and a half lakh tons of rice has already been signed. A high level delegation is now in Delhi to finalize the arrangement for the import of five lakh tons of rice. Tender has been floated for the import of two lakh tons of rice from Thailand. The issue of importing rice from Vietnam is also being discussed.

With a view to keep the price of rice stable, the government started selling rice in every town of the country under OMS (Open Market Sale) from 9 Jaunary last. Besides, BDR had started selling rice at its fair price shops in Dhaka well advance. In the poverty stricken districts, where those live under below the poverty level, rice is being distributed for them through six lakh VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) cards from this month. In the Sidr hit areas, rice is being distributed among the 26 lakh VGF card holders free of cost for four months since December. Earlier, during the period between September-2007 and December- 2007, a total of 58 lakh people were brought under VGF programme for the consecutive four months. Besides, necessary allocations have been made for the Food for Work Programme and Test Relief. These programmes, particularly the introduction of OMS led to the fall in the price of rice. Newspapers published reports on this issue. The government has strengthened the market monitoring. I hope, rice price will become stable soon in the local market.

But the experts think, there is no alternative to give priority to the agriculture for keeping the prices of commodities at a tolerable level. Allout measures are being taken to ensure highest production in the coming boro season. Not even one in the last three years more than 25 lakh tons of urea fertilizer were used. The present government has taken steps to distribute 28 lakh tons of fertilizer including the import of a huge quantity of fertilizer. The government spends Taka 31 to import one kg of urea fertilizer and one kg fertilizer is being sold at a rate of Taka five and paisa 30 only.

The government has given a huge amount of subsidy to the farmers on fertilizer despite pressure on the budget. With a view to reaching fertilzer at a fair price and on time, the farmers will now be able to buy fertilizer from 14 thousand centres this year, which is three times higher than the previous year. Seedbeds have been made for high yield variety of seeds. During last year, high yield variety of seeds was prepared on 3.75 lakh hectares of land. This year the target for seedbed is 12.50 lakh hectares. New electricity connections will be increased for irrigation purposes. We are firmly determined to provide adequate power supply during irrigation season. It is presumed that the farmers would be more encouraged for Boro cultivation in view of price hike of rice. We hope there will be substantial rise of Boro production in the coming season.

Considering the importance of research in the agriculture sector, the government for the first time has allocated Taka 350 crore in the budget. We hope the research will make valuable contribution for long term agriculture development.

Before effectively meeting the challenge of the last year's post- flood situation came the devastating cyclone 'Sidr'. In terms of magnitude the cyclone was more fatal than that of 1991 but due to timely action taken by the government, there has been less loss of lives. Precautionary measures were taken at the meeting of the national disaster management committee chaired by me before the cyclone struck to meet the post-cyclone situation quickly. I want to thank the well-to-do section of our people, organisations, foreign governments and the agencies for the way they had extended support to the government in meeting the challenge. The post Sidr rehabilitation works was slow in the initial days as the roads and ferries were destroyed. But within very short time, the relief good could be sent through helicopters and river routes. It will not be exaggerating to say that there had been no corruption in relief activities during flood and post cyclone period. Many had predicted outbreak of water-borne diseases after Sidr. But with the combined efforts of the people, military and civil administration and the NGOs we have been able to resist it.

Dear countrymen,

After taking over responsibility the present government has been trying to create a level-playing field for holding an acceptable, free, proper and neutral election. I want to categorically say that we are firmly determined to hold parliamentary elections by December 2008 as per the road map given by the Election Commission and if possible before that time frame. There is no scope for hesitation in this regard.

Dear countrymen,

You know that we have reconstituted the Election Commission with the people who are completely neutral and enjoy peoples' confidence. The reconstituted Commission has prepared draft of the amended election law and rules, which will be finalised soon. In the meantime they held dialogues with civil society, media, and professional bodies and is now on the verge of completing discussions with the political parties. We have lifted ban on indoor politics in the capital Dhaka for creating a congenial atmosphere. As per our commitment, after the conclusion of dialogues between the Election Commission and the political parties, reforms of the electoral laws and rules will be finalised.

As per the plan of the Election Commission the work for preparation of voters ID card with photographs are going on in full swing. The Election Commission has informed last week registration of two crore voter's with photo have been completed. In this programme, supported by the armed forces, the national ID cards are being given, which is unique in this region. The government is not interfering with the activities of the Commission in any way and has been providing all kinds of cooperation. Besides, the government is also showing its sincerity for the institutional flourishment of the Commission and on giving administrative freedom. In this regard a draft law is now at the final stage.

Dear countrymen,

You know, that after 36 years of existence of the independent state, we have separated judiciary from the executive from November 1 last as per the directive of the constitution. The day will remain as a milestone in the history of Bangladesh in establishing rule of law. Although our political parties in their election manifestoes had spoken about separation of judiciary time and again but they never implemented it after going to power.

Dear countrymen,

With a view to establishing good governance in the country, the government has reconstituted different constitutional bodies including the Election Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, Public Service Commission and the University Grants Commission. Efficient people acceptable to all have been appointed at the top places of these organisations. The process for institutional growth of these organizations is on going. At the same time efforts are on for decentralization of power at different stages.

We have taken multifarious initiatives to establish good governance in the government institutions. Steps have been taken to bring about qualitative change in different service sectors including the police through citizens charter, service standard, model thana, one-stop service and support center. The process of passport delivery has also been made quicker and time-befitting. More reforms will be brought in different fields including the Increase in use of information technology.

We have taken initiatives for making the government rules and regulations time-befitting. Regulatory reform commission has been formed comprising eminent persons in different fields of administration, economics and commerce. This commission will review the existing rules and regulations and suggest their amendments and update. Its main objective will be to simplify and quicken the work within a time frame. This will increase dynamism in government work side by side with simplifying the private sector economic and commercial activities. Of late, we have formed "better business forum" so that businessmen can contribute more to the national economy. Five working groups have been formed under the forum, which will jointly be led by a one representative each from the government and the private sector. This forum will work towards identifying and solving the problems prevailing in the fields of investment, banking, physical infrastructure and macro-economy. Recently Human Rights Commission Act has been framed. This commission will be formed soon. Besides, the government will soon frame two acts to help consolidate consumers right and right to information. In this regard I have made my commitments earlier.

Dear Countrymen,

You are aware, this government has taken a firm stand in the beginning against irregularities and corruption. We have made all out efforts to hold trials of the corrupts irrespective of their positions. None has been spared whatever high positions they held. They are being tried under the existing law. Probably none could even imagine it one year ago. We have taken steps to strengthen the institutional structure of the Anti-Corruption Commission by restructuring it for curbing corruption. The framing of necessary laws, approval of organogram , recruitment of skilled people and other relevant work have been completed during the last one year. Special tribunals have been formed in different places of the country for quick disposal of corruption cases. The trial process and also award of verdicts have been started against the accused in corruption cases.

We have signed the UN Convention relating to curbing corruption. The signing of this has brightened the image of Bangladesh in international fora. Besides holding trial of the corrupt, we are also framing a mid-term strategy paper to curb corruption.

Dear Countrymen,

The government has taken steps to modernize and infuse dynamism in the functioning of Chittagong and Mongla ports to expand the country's export-import trade. The Chittagong port is being developed as a business friendly port freeing it from the clutches of the vested quarters. The efficiency of Chittagong port has been increased by 40 per cent compared its past. The average duration of stay of ship has been reduced to three days as against 11 days in the past.

The country achieved economic growth of 6.5 per cent due to growth in service and industrial sectors last year despite increase in prices of imported daily essentials including oil in international market and political unrest. Despite various hindrances, the rate of increase of exports was 16 per cent. The export recorded increase in October despite disruption in export in July-September during the current year. The exporters hope that it will get dynamism in the coming months.

The foreign investment in country's EPZs increased more than double during July-December, 2007 . The disbursement of agricultural loan during the last six months increased by 61 per cent, which is very significant. As per record of Bangladesh Bank the industrial loan increased by 42 per cent during July- September. During the last financial year the import of capital machinery recorded an increase of 25 per cent. During the current financial year the import of capital machinery showed a little downward trend but import of intermediate goods and industrial raw materials increased. In infusing dynamism in economics, these indexes are seen positively.

The opportunity of exporting manpower to different countries including Middle East and South East Asia has gradually increased following recent bilateral and multilateral initiatives undertaken by the government. The number of people given clearance for going abroad in 2007 has crossed eight lakhs as against 3.81 lakh in 2006.

I hope, the political parties will make them inclined in democracy and free of corruption taking the advantage of this situation. As soon as they can do it, the more it will be beneficial. We will hope, the government, the election commission and the political parties will prepare a well-designed path towards transition to democracy through discussions.

Dear countrymen, I would like to inform you clearly, no political party or force is our rival. We firmly believe, by the end of this year, we will be able to develop a pluralist system in the country which will reflect the hopes and aspirations of the 14.50 crore people of the country. This will be such a system which will sustain depending on the force of public opinion. The institutions, which we have developed or strengthened to protect the real democratic values, will play a supplementary role in this regard.

Dear countrymen, you know, I was invited to run the caretaker government at a critical juncture of the country. I have nothing to gain from this post. I tries to discharge my duties relentlessly. But here I would like to underline some of my personal expectations as an ordinary citizen. Like you, I also do not want the country to return the anarchic situation that was prevailing before January 11. I want to see accountability and democratic process is reestablished at all spheres of the state through reforms. I want to see Bangladesh established as a bright example of religious and anthropological harmony in the comity of the nations.

Like you, I also want such a political and governance system, the main task of which will be to fulfill the fundamental needs of the people. The government will be the servant of the people. On this day next year, we want to see such a service- oriented government, which will carry forward the country keeping a pace with the changing world. I want to see Bangladesh turned into a middle income country eliminating poverty in next one and half decade.

Dear countrymen, let all of us including the political parties join our hands to establish an honest, competent and efficient leadership at all levels. Allah willing (inshallah), we will definitely organize an election this year in line with your expectations which will be acceptable to all and free from the influence of terrorism, muscle power, black money and weapons.

At the end, I end here expecting 2008 to be a memorable year in democratic transition and wishing continued happiness, precious peace, prosperity and welfare of countrymen in the new year.

Thank you all.

Allah Hafez

(Source: BSS)