The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA) yesterday demanded abolition of the caretaker government system as it has plunged into a political imbroglio, particularly on the election issue.

"Like the monarchy of Nepal, an end to the so-called Caretaker Government system is the demand of the day," said JAGPA President Shafiul Alam Prodhan at the joint press briefing following their dialogue with the Caretaker Government at the Chief Adviser's Office.

The 9-member JAGPA delegation also demanded relaxation of the state of emergency, rational distribution of power between the President and the Prime Minister.

Regarding transit issue, Prodhan said the government cannot hold any discussion on transit agreements with India unless ongoing problems, including the Farakka barrage, trade deficit and border shootings of Bangladeshi nationals, are resolved first.

In reply, Adviser for Foreign Affairs Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said the government would address the transit issue in upcoming discussions with India in such a way so that national interests remain intact.

'The government will not take such steps that will hamper the national interests," he said

Adviser for Education and Commerce Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said the government would not act in any way that poses a threat to national interests or sovereignty of the country

Referring to the JAGPA's assessment the 'wrong people' were contesting the ensuing local body polls, he said, "The matter is very significant and an early warning for all of us."

"We must think over the matter," the Adviser said adding that all, particularly political parties, should think over this phenomenon as it comes as an early warning for all.

He said all would have to be careful so that the efforts for a change for a qualitative culture do not fall behind.

Prodhan said question arises in the public mind over the caretaker government's recent soft attitude or compromise on corruption after waging a war against the curse.

In reply, the Education Adviser categorically denied any compromise on corruption by the government.

"The caretaker government is advancing taking the whole nation towards a logical solution on the basis of certain principle where no concession will be given on the question of principle," he said.

On the release of detained former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, the Adviser said the government is advancing following legal, humanitarian and political processes for logical solution and the matter would be solved in appropriate time.

The JAGPA demands also include introduction of ration for poor people in rural and urban areas, fixing the state position on the national leaders like Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, Shere-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq and Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed along with three advisers concerned was present at the dialogue. Adviser for LGRD M Awanrul Iqbal and JAGPA leaders-Khandokar Lutfar Rahman, Rehena Prodhan, Tapan Chakravarty, Shamsul Alam and Mohiuddin Bablu, among others, were also present at the dialogue and the joint press briefing.