The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Economic freedom is not possible if a democratic government loyal to the people is not established. A meaningful election is the only way to establish such a government.

Speakers said this yesterday at a discussion meeting on 'Present Economic Crisis and Remedies--Election Roadmap' organised by Combined Social Movement at the Moni Singh-Farhad trust building at Paltan in the city. Speakers urged the government to focus on the election and gear up the activities relating to the elections.

Employment generation, increasing purchasing power and decentralisation of power are the remedies to bring the country from the jeopardised economic situation, they said.

Economist Prof Mozaffar Ahmed, columnist Syed Abul Moksud, Dr Rangolal Sen, Dr Anwar Hossain and Rokeya Kabir, among others, spoke at the meeting presided over by social activist Ajoy Roy.

Ziauddin Tarek Ali, read out a keynote paper at the meeting.

Prof Mozaffar said the election roadmap of the Election Commission got a sudden shock as the BNP splits into two factions. It is now waiting for the court verdict in the matter. The EC could hold talks with both the factions.

About the delimitation of the constituencies by the EC Dr Mozaffar said it was a constitutional responsibility of the EC and it should not be opposed by the political parties. "It would not hamper the election," he added.

"The government should provide the farmers with every necessary agricultural input in due time for good harvest, which would ensure our food security," said Dr Mozaffar on price hike of the essential food items.

Syed Abul Moksud said, "Now the main task of the government is to hold the election."

"People of the country will remember this government for long time if it was able to hold an election and hand over power to the elected government," he said.

He urged the Government to break the syndicate, which was responsible for the frequent price hike of the essentials.

In the paper Ziauddin pointed out negative and positive things of the present government. The paper hailed the government for its positive works and criticised for the negative ones.

Speakers at the meeting also urged the government to start the proceedings of the trial of the war criminals for the cause of a free and fair election. They also urged the government to resolve the garment workers' and DU problems immediately.