The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

UNDP administrator Kemal Dervis yesterday said he is fully confident that the stalled national election in Bangladesh would be held in time - by the end of this year.

"I've full confidence and expectation that the election will be held by the end of this year. Everything I heard in my meetings (with concerned policymakers) that the election will be held in time. There will be a good and fair election," he told a questioner in a press briefing at the VIP lounge of the Zia International Airport prior to his departure.

The UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) chief said everybody would have to make sure that this election brings the country together.

Asked whether the holding of local elections earlier will jeopardise the national election, he said there is no reason for as there are many countries that hold local elections ahead of general election.

Dervis said Bangladesh stands at an important juncture in its history and it is determined to build stronger democratic institutions and deeper practices of democracy.

At the same time, he said, Bangladesh is facing important challenges such as rebuilding works after devastating floods and cyclone Sidr, and responding to global price shocks.

About voter registration, the UNDP boss said the electoral registration is part of a larger agenda of transitioning back to democracy. "The caretaker government is carrying out governance reforms on many fronts like anti-corruption drive, judicial reform, public administration reform, law enforcement reform and regulatory reform.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress of election preparations, he said 47 out of possible 80 million voters have already been registered, which is a good progress.

Dervis said the task of voter registration might be completed by July this year.

"These are all important steps towards creating checks and balances and necessary to make government more transparent and more responsive to the needs of average citizens," he said adding that 'winner-takes-all' system often exclude large portions of legitimate participants in democratic process that can lead to unsustainable tensions.

Dervis said a peaceful, successful and democratic Bangladesh is not only important for Bangladeshis but also for the whole world.

About the economy, he said for an export-oriented economy like Bangladesh, what happens to the world economy is vitally important. "The world economy is at a crossroad. It's too early to tell whether the upheavals over the last few months signal a recession or a merely a slowing down. What's clear, however, is that the world market will provide both opportunities and new challenges for Bangladesh."

Dervis said, "This is an extraordinary important chapter in history of Bangladesh. The country is facing important decisions on how to further growth in a difficult global economic environment and how to make sure that democracy deepens and endures.

Replying to a question, he said a healthy political system is needed for foreign and local investments. "We can't separate political progress from economic progress. There is no doubt there will be more economic progress if there is confidence in political system."

To a query about lifting state of emergency that is in place since January 11, 2007, Dervis said he did not have any specific discussion on that issue.

He also called for protecting human rights of those detained on corruption charges saying that no one is guilty until his or her offence is proven.