The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, New York

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Wednesday dispelled any confusion over holding the general election in the country on December 18 as already announced.

"The end of journey of the present caretaker government is to hold a free, fair and credible election to transfer power to the next elected government," he said.

The head of the caretaker government made the remarks in reply to questions from Bangladeshi expatriates living in the United States, particularly in New York, when asked about the end of this interim government and whether the general election will be held at all.

Fakhruddin replied to a volley of questions at a reception accorded to him by the Bangladesh community at World Fair Marina Hotel at Queens Borough in New York City, where most Bangladeshi expatriates live. Bangladesh Embassy in USA organized the reception in the afternoon where people of different professions attended and interacted with the Chief Adviser.

The Chief Adviser said the caretaker government while starting its journey in January last year had announced that their main objective would be to hold a fair election and transfer power to the elected government, and he government did not deviate from that objective. "There is no alternative to democracy. We're working to attain the goal. The general election will be held in December 18. The new elected government will take the responsibility," he told the function in his introductory remarks.

Queries made during the question and answer session included release of suspected corrupts, political reform, necessity of caretaker government, dual citizenship of Bangladeshi expatriates, their voting rights, crossfire by RAB, changing Constitution, Saudi deposit of Tk 1,000 crore in the Chief Adviser's Fund, overseas units of political parties, trial of war criminals and barring them from participating in elections, prices of essentials, problems of Bangladeshi workforce in Kuwait and Malaysia, human rights and influence of western diplomats on Bangladesh.

About the bails of suspected corrupts, the Chief Adviser said they were not released permanently, but enlarged on bail. Cases have not been withdrawn or no process of withdrawal has taken place. The judiciary is functioning with full independence.

The suspected corrupts, he said, have been released on bail under the judicial process and "if we believe in rule of law we'll have to respect the order of the judiciary."

He, however, added that already about 92 suspected corrupts including politicians, government officials and businessmen have been convicted.

He informed that still there are many cases under trial and more will take place in the future.

Fakhrudidn hoped that the Anti-Corruption Commission would carry on its anti-corruption trial process. "We also want to prevent corruption and in this regard, a strategy paper is under preparation," he said.

He also said that trials were taking place as per the existing laws of the land. They (corrupt suspects) filed writ petitions to secure stay on lower court orders. Everything is being done under due process of law. "We are proceeding obeying the due process of law."

On the influence of western diplomats, the Chief Adviser said not only diplomats of the western countries, there is also no influence of any diplomat on the decisions of the government.

"Policy decisions are taken according to our judgement, wisdom and consideration. It is our right… Our decisions are entirely ours," he told his audience.

Regarding political front organization abroad, he said that as per the Representation of People's Ordinance (RPO), the political parties would not be allowed to have front organizations or any unit abroad, and in educational institutions.

Replying to a question if Tk 1000 crore from Saudi Arabia were deposited to the Chief Adviser's Fund, Fakhruddin straightway replied in the negative.

On political party reforms, he said that as per the RPO, the political parties would have to make registration and submit their new party constitution to the Election Commission.

The political parties, he said, will have to have a bank account, have to mention sources of income and carry out regular audit of accounts by independent audit accountants for release on public domain.

The Election Commission will have the right to cancel registration of political party and through the RPO, financial transparency and accountability of the political party would come, the CA said.

Replying to a question, he said the necessity of caretaker government is enshrined in the Constitution. The present caretaker government has taken office and oath as per the Constitution.

He, however, said the caretaker government is not a permanent solution. It is a matter of thought whether the caretaker government should exist in the future. Caretaker government should never be seen as a permanent solution.

On a question about crossfire by RAB as violation of human rights, the Chief Adviser said no death should take place in such manner. After the setting up of the Human Rights Commission such matters will be placed before the Commission.

He said the independent Human Rights Commission would be set up within one or two months.

Referring to the President's and CA's visit to the mazars of Sheikh Mujib and Ziaur Rahman one participant asked if the government has any plan to recognize Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani as national leader, the CA mentioned that portraits of national leaders including Bangabandhu, Suhrawardy, Bhasani and Fazlul Huq were displayed prominently during the parade at the National Parade Square in celebrating the independence day in 2007 and 2008.

"This is a kind of recognition," he said adding that those national leaders having contributions to the country should be recognized.

On changing of the constitution, he said the caretaker government has not taken any initiative to change the constitution, as they do not think it is their responsibility. But he admitted the necessity of changing the Constitution.

Fakhruddin also mentioned his government's various activities and interventions including the steps taken and new laws promulgated to strengthen the local government, discussions with Kuwait and Malaysia to resolve the problems of the Bangladeshi workforce and examining the matter of voting right of the Bangladeshi expatriates.

He said that an independent and strong Local Government Commission would be set up within the next two weeks.

The Chief Adviser said they want to transfer power to the next elected government to pave the way for forward march of democracy by establishing good governance and rule of law, while people will feel secure with sound law and order.

Regarding dual citizenship, he said a gazette notification published September 23 allowed for dual citizenship.

Regarding resumption of the operation of Biman flight to New York, he said they are trying to resume the operation as soon as possible during the tenure of the caretaker government.

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Women and Children Affairs Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury, Bangladeshi community leaders and representatives including Dr Delwar Hossain, Rehan Reza, Dr Debobrata Dutta, Dr Khondokar Masudur Rahman and Minhazuddin Babar, among others, spoke at the function.

Chief Adviser's wife Neena Ahmed was also present at the reception, chaired by Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Humayun Kabir.