The New Nation - Internet Edition

People frustrated for compromising approach of govt: GF

UNB, Dhaka

Gano Forum presidium meeting today viewed that people were frustrated at government's bargaining with political parties on plea of understanding and reconciliation.

Presided by Dr Kamal Hossain the meeting felt that law should take its own course. Wholesale granting of bail to those accused of corruption has given rise to questions in the minds of the people about the process of law and trial. People expect that anti-corruption drive of the government should not be impeded in the process of compromise.

The meeting viewed that neither fair election nor healthy politics was possible by compromising with corrupt elements. The prime responsibility of the Election Commission is to ensure the right to vote of all the registered voters and conduct election activities on the basis of national consensus.

Expressing doubt about attempt to frustrate the upcoming election by certain evil forces the meeting urged all sections of the people to resist such forces.

Elected politicians should play caretakers for polls'

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Former chief adviser Muhammad Habibur Rahman believes elected politicians should play caretakers for polls.

"The incumbent government, vested with interim status, should oversee elections," the former chief justice said Thursday, in an apparent side-swipe at the caretaker government system.

"People confer the country's administration to an elected government. Why should it not administer elections in the interim period?" Habibur Rahman said at a programme organised by Transparency International, Bangladesh.

He was speaking as chief guest at the publication of a TIB report on 'Parliament and the role of lawmakers: people's expectations' held at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

On the role of lawmakers, TIB chairman Prof Muzaffer Ahmed said: "We don't want the rule of prime minister; we want the rule of public representatives."

Habibur Rahman, who oversaw elections in 1996, said Bangladesh's eight elections had been frustrating experiences for the nation so far, but he hoped the ninth parliamentary election would be a good one.

The present chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed had also hinted last month that the caretaker system of governance in Bangladesh could be re-evaluated.

Addressing a gathering of expatriate Bangladeshis in New York in September, the chief adviser said: "I believe the caretaker government is not a permanent solution. An elected government should govern the country."

Replying to a query, he said: "The caretaker government system is provisioned by the Constitution. But we should think what is required in the future."

One shot dead by BSF on Comilla border

UNB, Comilla

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead a Bangladeshi citizen at Kathalia frontier village in Chouddagram upazila yesterday morning.

BDR quoting local people said BSF troops shot Ana Miah, 28, son of late Ali Azam, to death when he went to the Kathalia border area at about 8:30am.

BSF later dragged away the body of Ana Miah into their territory, one of the witnesses said.

On information, BDR Commander of Kotbari sector Col M Mukim visited the spot.

The BSF authorities handed over Ana Mia's body to Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) yesterday afternoon following a flag meeting with BDR.

UN Day today

UNB, Dhaka

The United Nations Day will be observed across the world, including Bangladesh, today highlighting world peace.

On October 24, 1945, the United Nations was formally established after a majority of its founding members ratified a treaty setting up the world body.

In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recommending that the day be observed as a public holiday by Member States.

Traditionally, it is observed throughout the world through programmes like meetings and discussions and holding exhibitions on the goals and achievements of the organization.

In a message on the occasion, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said

that the international community must further strengthen and democratize the UN to make it more effective in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

Bangladesh joins the comity of nations to reaffirm the country's strong and unwavering commitment to the ideals, values and principles of the United Nations, he said.

The UN Charter-which came into effect on this day in 1945 - embodies the hopes and aspirations of the world's six billion people to live in peace and harmony. Towards this end, the world body has been relentlessly promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and sustainable development, the CA said in his message.

The Bangladesh leader said since its emergence, United Nations has remained steadfast in fulfilling the aspirations of the people across the world. It has supported its member states in their fight against poverty, diseases and hunger.

He pointed out that UN has always been by the side of millions of disadvantaged and distressed people, affected by man-made or natural disasters.

Its ever-increasing relevance is all the more evident in numerous peacekeeping and peace-building missions. One can hardly imagine a world without the United Nations, Dr. Fakhruddin said.

He said Bangladesh remains avowedly committed to the objectives of the United Nations. This finds reflection in the "culture of peace" resolution of the UN General Assembly, which takes into account the diversity of the States and their rights to development.

Bangladesh has been one of the key countries in promoting a culture of peace at the UN. As one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, Bangladesh has demonstrated its unswerving commitment to protect humanity from the scourge of war, said Dr Fakhruddin.

"Our troops, deployed in many countries of Africa, have earned the highest accolade for their professionalism and their unswerving commitment to the ideals of the United Nations," he said.

Over the years, United Nations has significantly evolved and reformed itself to meet the expectations of its members. Bangladesh has always remained engaged in the process to make it a more dynamic and responsive organization, said the Chief Adviser.

"We have always believed in the indispensability of the UN, not just to promote peace and set norms and standards but also to foster development and eradicate poverty. The world owes the Millennium Development Goals to the UN," he said.

He hoped that only the UN - upholding the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation - can meaningfully help the developing countries achieve their MDGs.

In another message, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, "This is a crucial year in the life of the United Nations which has just passed the midpoint in the struggle to reach the Millennium Development Goals-our common vision for building a better world in the 21st century."

Partnership is the way of the future, he said, adding, "The United Nations must deliver results for a safer, healthier and more prosperous world".

He called on all partners and leaders to do their part and keep the promise.

Recession must not affect development cooperation: Iftekhar

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said Thursday that the current global financial turmoil and economic downturn must not have any adverse impact on Bangladesh's development cooperation with the West.

He made the remark to journalists after a meeting with British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Stephen Evans at the Foreign Ministry.

"Both the Ambassador and I hope that the situation does not adversely impact on the development cooperation with the West in general and Europe in particular," Iftekhar said.

The Adviser appreciated the leadership of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to resolve the current economic downturn.

They also discussed a number of international issues including UN convention against torture and the issue of Kosovo.

"We discussed a range of international issues across which Bangladesh and the UK cooperate," Evans said adding they discussed early ratification of the UN optional protocol against torture.

Asked whether they discussed pre-election political issues, the High Commissioner said they mainly focused on international issues.

He expressed the hope that the day's political dialogue between the government and major political parties would help resolve the political matters.