The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said efforts continued so that honest, competent, dedicated and patriotic leaderships can hold the helms at local levels and in parliament for a rebuilt Bangladesh.

The 'Esho Bangladesh Gori' Road Show has carried out massive campaigns with this end in view, the head of the caretaker government said in his concluding remarks on the 50-day-long cross-country mission at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

Fakhruddin firmly hoped that the culture of using black money and muscle power in election would find a final end and the government is carrying out efforts sincerely to that end.

"All have to work so that wise, honest, competent and patriotic people win every election, in every sphere, in the future and can stand with their heads high," he said about the vision of a new Bangladesh, as campaigned during the road show.

The CA requested people to apply much of their judgment and knowledge in casting their sacred vote, which he said is the highest right of a citizen.

He also suggested paying attention so that correct reflection of their opinion takes place in voting.

'Esho Bangladesh Gori' Road Show was formally inaugurated by Agriculture Adviser Dr CS Karim at this same venue (Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre) in the capital on May 30 though the caravan embarked upon the journey from the country's northern tip in Panchagarh on June 1.

The campaigners marched with some theme slogans, including build corruption-and terrorism-free Bangladesh, ensure free and fair election, and establish honest and competent leadership in all tiers, say no to drugs, build food habit for other foodstuffs alongside rice, grow more to meet food deficit, remove unemployment, and improve socioeconomic condition through adopting information communication technology and flourishing tourism.

The road show traveled 55 districts during its over 4,500- kilometer cruising. Some 5 lakh people of 25 districts have actively participated in the road show while about 8 crore people witnessed and listened to the propaganda on television and radio.

A total of 27 fairs were held in 25 districts to celebrate the road show, jointly organized by Agriculture Ministry, Food and Disaster Management Ministry, Home Ministry, Post and Telecommunications Ministry, Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission and Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.

Chief of Army Staff Gen Moeen U Ahmed also spoke at the function as special guest, making a call for building a corruption-and terrorism-free Bangladesh in the changed context. Agriculture Adviser Dr CS Karim presided.

Advisers, special assistants to Chief Adviser, schoolboys and girls and distinguished personalities were present.