The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Former chief adviser Justice Latifur Rahman yesterday urged media to help the Caretaker government and political parties to mobilise public opinion for holding a free, fair, impartial and credible parliamentary election.

Rahman made the call while speaking as chief guest at the publication ceremony of two books of Prof Omar Faruque at the National Press Club.

The two books are 'Bangladeshi Expatriates in Britain' and 'Bangladeshis in Britain' where the author described the lifestyle, success and failure of over 300 noted Bangladeshis living in the United Kingdom.

Former chief election commissioner Justice Mohammad Abdur Rouf presided over the ceremony where Chairman of ATN Bangla Mahfuzur Rahman, Editor of The New Nation Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Advocate Sheikh M Serajul Islam and Saad Gazi, Vice President of British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce spoke as special guest.

Latifur Rahman said for holding a free and fair election cooperation and mutual understanding of all political parties is needed. The press, media and civil society organisations are trying to create an atmosphere for a free and credible election, he said.

"If democracy could be established on a firm footing, the rule of law, accountability, transparency, efficiency, empowerment, participation, sustainability, equity and justice could be established and we would be able to advance Bangladesh towards social, political and economic development, Rahman said.

Justice Mohammad Abdur Rouf said Bangladesh is passing through crucial times. He urged the Bangladeshis at home and abroad to work together to build Bangladesh a happy and prosperous country.

On the two books he said reading the books people will know the success, failure and contributions of expatriate Bangladeshis to the British society.

On the occasion 16 eminent people were given Dhaka Post Gold Medal-2007 for their contribution in their respective fields including Brig (retd) Abdul Maleq of Heart Foundation and Chowdhury Tanvirul Huq Probal of REHAB.