The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday directed high and field level government officials to neutrally discharge election duties rising above all fear and favour during Parliamentary and Upazila elections.

"The whole nation is now prepared and eager for elections. Election preparations are at final stage. The government is determined to hold these two elections in a free and fair manner in line with the expectation of the nation" he added.

The Chief Adviser gave the directives while addressing the deputy commissioners, police supers and high government officials at his office here on the eve of the Ninth Jatiya Sangsad and third Upazila polls.

Advisers, high civil and military officials attended it. Home Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (Retd) MA Matin also spoke on the occasion. Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder gave address of welcome.

Field level officers raised different issues related to discharging their election duties and expressed firm conviction to perform duties during the polls with utmost sincerity and devotion.

Referring to the long preparations of the government for holding the elections, Dr Fakhruddin said all efforts of the government are now on the way towards handing over power to an elected government through free, fair and acceptable elections.

Dr Fakhruddin assured them that the government would provide all cooperation and legal support in discharging election duties smoothly. He directed all concerned including the administration, law enforcing agencies-Police, RAB, BDR, Coast Guard, Ansar and the members of Armed Forces to discharge their duties shoulder to shoulder in a coordinated manner.

"Maintaining law and order and peaceful situation is a pre- condition of holding a free and fair election," he added.

"Any sort of negligence in election duty may hinder the election process, he said and reminded that the government would take necessary steps against any laxity.

Appreciating the services of the field level administration during natural calamities in the country in the past two years, the Chief Adviser hoped they would render better services in the upcoming elections.

The Chief Adviser asked the officials to strengthen the recovery drive of illegal arms and arrest the miscreants to create a fearless election environment.

He asked them to ensure participation of women and all voters irrespective of creed, caste and religion in the election process. Risky polling centers should be identified in advance and necessary steps should be taken, he said.

Dr Fakhruddin said hundred percent transparencies should be maintained in the whole process of elections from vote casting to announcing results. "Post election law and order situation should be maintained properly so that innocent citizens are not harassed by any quarter, " he added.

He suggested to take special measures for the polling centers in remote, char and coastal areas for the convenient of the voters.

Dr Fakhruddin said the upcoming general elections are very important in maintaining constitutional obligation and continuity as well as qualitative transition to democracy and politics.

"Eyes of every citizen and every voter of the country are now centered on the upcoming polls. The role of the officials relating to election activities are very important and sensitive at this moment," he added.

Referring to assuming the office about two years back, the Chief Adviser said the main target of the government was to hold free and fair elections in the country and it is now at the door step of that historic goal.

The Caretaker Government started its journey to establish political and social stability in the country at the same time move the wheel of economy in the direction of prosperity, he added.

"It was a hard task for the government to create a favourable environment for election, reorganising the democratic system and infrastructure bruised by corruption, violence, black money and muscle power" he added.

He said the government has undertaken a lot of reforms steps to make an institutional base to strengthen democracy in true sense.

Dr Fakhruddin termed the preparation of voter list of 8 crore,11 lakh and 31 thousand voter with photograph within 11 months only as a rare event in the world history.

The Election Commission, Armed Forces and others concerned have made it possible through relentless work in a coordinated manner, he added.