The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed on Saturday directed the deputy commissioners to start works at local level from now on to create an atmosphere in holding the next national elections.

"You have to start preparatory works at local level from now on to create a field in holding national elections," he said.

The Chief Adviser said this while inaugurating a four-day Deputy Commissioners (DCs) Conference- 2008 at International Conference Centre (ICC) at the Chief Adviser's Office here.

Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said the main objective of the government is to hold a free, fair and credible election by December this year and the Election Commission has so far made significant progress to this end.

In this context, he said the EC is holding dialogue with political parties and the members of civil societies on electoral reforms while the works for preparation of voter identity cards with photographs are progressing fast ahead of the elections.

The chief adviser directed the deputy commissioners to remain prepare to extend cooperation to the election commission to implement its works at field level.

"You (Deputy Commissioners) have to play an important role in preparation of electoral roll as well as maintaining law and order at field level to this end," he added.

Calling upon the DCs to discharge their responsibilities in a transparent and accountable manner maintaining professionalism, he said, "Your accountability to the state, people, law and constitution have to be beyond question," he added.

Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said as a servant of the republic you (DCs) have to uncompromising in projecting patriotism, honesty and neutrality by attaching utmost importance on people's welfare.

"You have to remain alert in implementing government pledges and objectives," he said sounding a note of caution that any negligence to implement the objectives would not be accepted.

Listing different programmes undertaken by the government, he said the present caretaker government after assuming office has been working relentlessly to hold a free fair and credible election as well as ensuring a sustainable democratic environment.

He said the government is also working sincerely for establishing good governance by attaching importance on transparency and accountability at all levels of administration. Referring to price hike of essential commodities, he said price spiral of some agricultural goods has created some unusual situation in public life. In this connection, he said the government has taken all possible measurers to face the situation.

The Chief Adviser said steps have been taken to import foodgrains at government and private sectors, taxes on some most important goods have been withdrawn while measures have also been taken to procure Boro rice during the upcoming season.

Besides, open market sale (OMS) programmes of rice and other essential commodities have been expanded across the country and fair price shops have been opened by the BDR and Ansar in the country to keep the price of essentials within tolerable level.

The Chief Adviser said the government has also taken massive programmes to expand social safety net. It has also expanded VGF and VGD programmes in a massive scale in the Sidr and flood affected areas.

He asked the local administration to remain vigil to ensure smooth supply and distribution of these goods among the poor and vulnerable people.

Putting emphasis on increasing agricultural production aimed at keeping price of essential commodities at a tolerable level, he called upon the district administrations to pay special attention on boosting production in agri-sector.

He asked them to ensure smooth supply of agri-inputs including fertiliser, water and power to this end. "You have to ensure every single inch of land is cultivated," he said.

The Chief Adviser drew attention to the DCs to make the existing land system more modernise, accountable and dynamic and said the district administrations have taken effective steps in protecting government " Khas land" as well as rivers, open water bodies and haors for the sake of healthy environment.

Referring to various demands of the deputy commissioners, the Chief Adviser said the government is taking effective measurers to solve various problems at districts and upazila levels regarding vehicles and others logistics.

He said the government is considering to allocate mobile phones for the Upazila Nirbahi Officers working at field level.

Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed expressed the hope that the efforts of all level officials in the administration would be further expedited aimed at building a knowledge-based society free from hunger, poverty and corruption.

Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder gave welcome address at the inaugural function.

Among others, Divisional Commissioner of Rajshahi Md. Hafizur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Manikganj Ataur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban Abdul Mazid Shah Akond and Deputy Commissioner of Satkhira Md. Kefayetullah addressed the function.

Advisers of the caretaker government, Special Assistants to the Chief Adviser and high civil and military officials attended the conference.