The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Commerce and Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday dismissed any doubt about the general election scheduled to held on December 18.

Their is no confusion that a free and fair election will be held as per the declared date, he maintained.

None but journalists and few people have expressed their doubt over holding the upcoming general election and present political condition to hold the election on the schedulee date, Zillur told reporters after inaugurating the three day's long DCCI fair as chief guest at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) organised the fair as a part of its golden jubilee celebration.

He said that the people as well as the politicians should overcome all kinds of difficulties if there is any confusion about the election.

The Commerce Adviser said the caretaker government has implemented its pledged agenda one after another with confidence. "The government is creating an environment of trust for the elections," he told reporters. He further said that preparation for election is underway in full swing and the government has left all doubts behind much earlier. "But it is also important whether the political parties are making the same atmosphere for the people. The politicians will have to make sure whether they will be able to maintain a stable condition after the election," he added.

"There is no confusion that a free and fair election will be held as per the declared date," he stated.

Meanwhile, Dr Hossain Zillur said that it's a positive sign to hold a trade fair when international economy experienced a great recession.

He said that the people of the country accepted the challenge of worldwide economic recession with confidence.

Later, the Education Adviser visited different booths at the fair.

DCCI President Hossain Khaled described the SME sector as an engine for the country's economic growth and said, "It contributes 40 per cent of country's gross manufacturing. Besides, 25 per cent of the labour force of the country is engaged in this sector".

He hoped that the fair will help export diversification.

A large number of businessmen delegates from 25 countries is expected to join the three-day-long International Business Conference that began yesterday.

During the conference, the DCCI arranged seminars, workshops, according to DCCI sources.