The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman on Monday reiterated the Government's firm stand against the participation of corrupt, convicted and listed criminals in the upcoming polls.

"Our position is clear about their participation in the coming elections and there is no room to make any change of our position to keep them out of the electoral race," he said.

The Commerce Adviser was speaking at a joint press briefing at the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) here after a political dialogue with the leaders of Jatiya Party (Ershad).

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed attended the talks, 20th of its kind, while Acting Chairman of JP Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud led a nine-member delegation of the party.

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, LGRD Adviser Mohammad Anwarul Iqbal, Law Adviser A F Hassan Ariff and Communications Adviser Maj. Gen. Ghulam Quader (Rtd) were present at the briefing.

The Commerce Adviser, however, made it clear that the ongoing drive against corruption and terrorism will be continued effectively and skillfully towards fulfilling the objectives of the government.

He said holding of high standard and meaningful elections with the participation of honest and capable persons will be made possible if the parties nominate quality candidates in the polls.

The Election Commission has taken a number of decisions so that honest and dedicate candidates can contest in the polls, Dr Zillur said.

About launching of rationing system for the lower middle class people due to price hike for essentials, Dr Hossain Zillur said the government is implementing different programmes on the basis of financial ability for economic emancipation of the people.

Responding to a question, Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman said the government wants to move forward together to present a peaceful and credible election. He expressed the hope that all stakeholders would participate in their march.

The Commerce Adviser said the government is working to create an environment conducive to hold a credible election and the political parties should extend their support to the government's efforts as their responsibilities in this regard.

He said the government is defusing confusions of all quarters through dialogue about demarcation of constituencies, flawless voters list and independence of local government bodies.

Barrister Anisur Islam Mahmud said they held an open discussion with the government on the future of the country's politics and holding of elections.

He said the JP appreciated the government for its firm stand against corruption and terrorism which earned huge popular support as well as restructuring the Election Commission, Public Service Commission and Anti corruption Commission.

The JP Acting Chairman, however, urged the government to further strengthen its stand against the corruption and terrorism for the interest of the nation.

Hailing the government for taking steps in holding the local government elections along with Upazila polls, he said these were long term demands of the Jatiya Party.

He also thanked the government for separating judiciary from the executives and preparation of voters list with the help of the army.

Barrister Anisul Islam put emphasis on bringing some amendments to the draft of Upazila Parishad Ordinance to reduce the influence of bureaucracy at the grassroots level.

He also appreciated the government for introducing the Upazila system and urged it to bring the court at the Upazila levels aimed at reaching judiciary to the door steps of the people.

The 9-member JP delegation to the dialogue also included ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, TIM Fazley Rabbi, Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu , Md. Golam Habib Dulal and Mostafa Jamal Haider.