The New Nation - Internet Edition

Fuel prices come down further

Shamim Jahangir

The Government has for the second time reduced the prices of kerosene, diesel, octane, and petrol by Tk 2 to Tk 4 per litre since October 26 in the wake of fall in their prices in the international market.

The price slump took effect from yesterday midnight. The price of diesel and kerosene has been reduced to Tk 46 per litre from Tk 48, Octane to Tk 77 from Tk 80, petrol to Tk 74 from Tk 78.

The Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Prof M. Tamim yesterday confirmed the reduction in the prices of these petroleum products.

The government has decided to readjust the prices of kerosene, diesel, petrol and octane following the fall in their prices in the international market, he added.

The Energy Ministry has taken opinion of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) while reducing the fuel prices, Tamim said.

He said that the Ministry of Energy informed the Ministry of Communication about the reduction of these petroleum products.

The special assistant expressed the hope that transport fares will come down proportionately following the reduction in fuel prices. The Ministry of Communication will take necessary measures in this respect, he said.

Earlier on July 1, the government raised the prices of these products by 36 percent. Later, the government reduced their prices from 10.34 per cent to 12.73 per cent on an average on October 26 close on the heels of their sharp decrease in the international market.

On October 26, Prof Tamim said the government had no plan to give subsidy on octane and petrol. But the government finally reduced of the price of these two products by Tk 3 to 4 per litre.

Bangladesh has an annual demand of nearly 4 million tonnes of petroleum products 3.7 million tonnes petroleum products including 2.3 million tonnes of diesel in 2007-2008.

The crude oil was selling at $35 per barrel on an average in the world market during last two days.

Bhola tense after bomb attack: Tofael, Naziur’s sons cross swords

Awami League leader Tofael Ahmed, BJP leaders
Andalib Rahman Partha and Ashikur Rahman Shanto (two
brothers) holding press conference at Bhola yesterday
separately following bomb attack. FocusBangla

Barisal Correspondent

A tense situation has been prevailing in Bhola over the hurling of a bomb at the jeep of Ashikur Rahman Shanto, BNP-led four-party alliance candidate for the parliamentary election, at Banglabazar under Daulatkhan upazila in Bhola on Sunday night.

Addressing a press conferernce in Bhola town yesterday, Ashikur Rahman Shanto Barrister Andalib Rahman partha, two leaders of Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) and sons of late Naziur Rahman Monju,former chairperson of BJP , alleged that the terrorist cadres of rival Awami League candidate Tofael Ahmed hurled the bomb to create panic among the voters of the four-party alliance.

They called upon the people to maintain peace and discipline and cast their vote in favour of " paddy sheaf' in the coming polls.

After the incident, the supporters of the four-party alliance brought out procession in the area and shouted slogans condemning the bomb attack.

The two sons of late Naziur Rahman and BJP leaders are in the election race from Bhola -1 and Bhola-2. On the other hand, Tofael Ahmed,AL presidium member and candidate from Bhola-2,

at a press briefing yesterday dismissed the charge of Shanto and Partha as a stage managed and pre-planned incident to create a ground for excuse sensing defeat in the election of December 29.

Tofael claimed that there was no Awami League activist in and around the area at time of hurling cocktail on a vacant parked jeep. If anybody wanted to kill anybody then he would have never hurled cocktail on a vacant parked jeep, he argued. The blast caused light damage to the jeep.

Tofail called upon the administration to maintain law and order for the sake of healthy environment on the eve of election.He termed the incident a part of conspiracy to tarnish the image of AL candidate and disturb peace in the area.

Meanwhile, Mafizul Islam, BJP activist, lodged a case with the Daulatkhan police in connection with cocktail blast accusing 13 persons including AL leader Toafel Ahmed.

Close on the heels of the incident police raid followed in and around the site in search of the trouble makers.

The Deputy Commissioner and the Police Super of Bhola said security measures have been tightened in the Bhola town and around the houses of Tofael,Partha and Shanto.

Election, the good and the bad

Hasnat Abdul Hye

If democracy is a way of life, Bangladeshis have so far been able to enjoy it by fits and starts. It is not because of their fault or lack of interest but in spite of themselves. There have been abrupt interruptions at regular intervals in democratic dispensation after independence. The first came in the form of one-party rule in 1974 which was short-lived. It was followed by martial law that lasted for three years. In 1978 a semblance of democracy was restored to give legitimacy to the erstwhile military ruler. The fledgling democracy was replaced by another martial law regime in 1982. In 1992 democracy was restored with the re-introduction of parliamentary form. From 1991 to 2001 three general elections were held two of which were won by BNP and one by Awami League. Parliamentary democracy under these political parties did not flourish as was expected. Political stability became elusive and the confrontational politics often led to violence. Elections held during this period were challenged by the losing party with resultant political disturbance that became chronic. Governance under the rule of both the parties suffered due to pre-occupation with short-term and partisan interests. Parliament became dysfunctional because of frequent walkouts and prolonged boycotts by opposition parties.

As the major parties fought against each other tooth and nail, no space for compromise and bipartisan agreement was created. Adversarial relations between the parties made it necessary to maintain and patronise maastans who were allowed to extort money from various sources. Corruption spread its tentacles into every nook and cranny of government involving politicians and bureaucrats. The private sector obliged by becoming willing accomplice in exchange of favours. Though corruption was not unknown during previous regimes, it ballooned under the democratic political regimes. The difference in this respect between the two major parties was one of degrees only. Things came to such a pass that Bangladesh was ranked first in the international corruption index prepared by Transparency International. Political clashes, violation of human rights and rise of religious extremism led some Western observers to label Bangladesh as a 'failed state', though 'failed governance' would have been more appropriate.

The apogee in political violence and confrontation came towards the end of 2006 when general election was scheduled to be held under a caretaker government. Since the caretaker government itself became controversial due to its alleged partisanship, it was dissolved and a new caretaker government was sworn in under the umbrella of the emergency powers. The main goal of the new caretaker government, like its predecessor, was to hold a free and fair election but it also undertook several reform measures to make a clean break with the politics of the past. Reconstitution of Election Commission and preparation of electoral roll were on top of its agenda. Simultaneously, a vigorous drive was launched to bring the venal elements among politicians, bureaucracy and business sector to justice. The sweep of the anti-corruption drive and the dragnet used to apprehend musclemen and their godfathers led many to describe it as a silent revolution. The goal and strategy of the new caretaker government became clear; it wanted to restore democracy but after cleansing politics of the elements who had bled it white. The message that was sent left no doubt about its intention to turn over a new leaf in the political culture and governance of the country. Understandably, many politicians chafed at these reform measures, but the rational section among them and the public at large welcomed the move. Having become tired and frustrated over the subversion and abuse of democratic politics, the public mustered patience to have elections at a later date when the reforms would be over.

Unfortunately, the momentum of the reform measures was not maintained and as the general election approached it started to falter and was ultimately almost totally surrendered to ensure participation by all political parties. The agenda of ushering in qualitative change in politics and governance was replaced by the overriding imperative to hold election on time. As a result, some of the important reform measures undertaken by the caretaker government now remain unfinished and it is doubtful if these will be continued by a political government, though declarations are being made by political leaders in their favour. It is strongly felt that had the reform measures been initiated earlier and continued with determination the story would be quite different.

Holding of election after a hiatus of two years is unexceptionable. Neither the politicians nor the public wanted to have a political vacuum that resurrected memories of suspension of democracy in the past. There is no two opinions on the fact that election is necessary for democracy but it is also true that it is not sufficient. In the absence of a congenial environment and code of conduct among political parties there is every possibility of the bane of old-style politics to re-appear. It is contended by many that this could have been prevented by a thoroughgoing reform programme during the last two years.

The manner in which the parties are conducting the election campaign and the background of many candidates contesting, confirm the apprehension and concern that after the election it will be politics as usual. According to a news in a national daily, BNP has nominated 4 convicts, 16 accused, 12 loan defaulters, 7 relations of top party leaders and 1 corruption suspect while Awami League has nominated 10 accused, 1 convict, 8 loan defaulters, 2 relatives of top party leaders and 1 corruption suspect. The Jatiya Party has nominated 1 convict and 4 loan defaulters, while Jamaat-e-Islami nominated 3 accused and 1 corruption suspect. The other parties have nominated 10 loan defaulters ? (The Daily Star, 4 December). Though the Election Commission tried its best to enforce the eligibility criteria, loan defaulters and even convicts in corruption cases have submitted nominations papers after obtaining court orders. The commendable work of the Election Commission has been considerably whittled down in the process.

There was no justification not to hold election after 2 years. In fact, it could be held even earlier if the electoral roll with ID Cards were completed. There are many aspects in the manner that election is being conducted by the Election Commission. These differ significantly from past practices. Ceiling has been put on the amount of money that can be spent by candidates and various restrictions have been imposed on electioneering at the grassroots level. These are all welcome changes. Announcement of manifestos by the political parties, on the other hand, indicates change in the attitude of political parties; but, whether these will be implemented is a different question. The arrangement of law and order is also satisfactory. But it is the vitriolic attacks by political parties against each other and the bitterness created that have caused considerable concern. On the other hand, the participation of a good number of corrupt politicians and loan-defaulters is nothing short of shocking. It is as if no lesson has been learnt during the past two years when politics was on hold and was supposedly being overhauled. The caretaker government will be congratulated for holding election in time and for restoring democracy, handing over power to the people's representatives. But its achievement will pale beside its failure to pave the way for politics that puts premium on democratic values, honesty and commitment to public service. Now the only hope rests on the judgement of the voters as they go to cast their votes. If they reject the discredited candidates, the last two years' waiting would not be in vain. Democracy as a way of life has been denied to the people of Bangladesh again and again. Time to retrieve it is right now.

ACC revelations against Koko obtained Sept 30: No obligation to cope with political situation: Mashhud

Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury

UNB, Dhaka

Anti-Corruption Commission Monday defended revelations about BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's youngest son Arafat Rahman Koko's transactions in Singapore days before elections saying the Commission considers it unacceptable to curb or interrupt its activities for political activities.

"It's unacceptable that the Commission's activities will have to be curbed or interrupted for any political activity. We consider authentic the information (about Koko) we've received," ACC chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury told a press briefing.

"The Commission doesn't think the allegation is untrue or motivated ones. Being aware about people's right to get information, the Commission has revealed the details of the allegation," he said.

The ACC chairman usually briefs the media on the first Monday or Thursday of the month. But, he briefed yesterday apparently to clear the ACC's position on revelations made by the Commission Thursday that an inquiry is underway into the transactions made by Koko in Singapore.

Mashhud categorically said, "No one or a quarter is the ACC's opponent. The Commission only considers corruption as its opponent." Asked if the ACC has enough evidence to file a case in this connection against Koko, he said, "Certainly… the detailed information we've got contain bank accounts, date of transactions and number of cheques," he said.

About the timing of filing the case, Mashhud said everything would be done as per rules. "It has to be ascertained that the money was siphoned off. It'll take plenty of time and money."

He also hoped that the information they received would be turned into a case or charge sheet.

Asked when the Commission received the information from Singapore authority, ACC chairman said, "Possibly, we could have known the information two weeks ago. We didn't get the information directly. We' ve got the information through the attorney general."

After the press briefing, he came back to reporters to correct the timing. He said the Commission actually got the information on September 30 this year.

"A lot of money was spent. Three individuals were sent to Singapore," Mashhud told reporters at the ACC premises. The person concerned has appointed a good lawyer to stop the money coming from Singapore, he added.

The ACC chairman told the briefing, "After receiving the information, we had to be aware about rationale and acceptability. Secondly, we've got advice from foreign organizations that a case can be initiated in the USA through which the acceptability will increase. For that we waited a little bit."

Asked if the ACC could have waited for another two weeks to make the revelations, he said, "There is no obligation that our activities will have to be coordinated with the ongoing political process. No one can say for sure that there will be a favorable situation in the future."

Mashhud said the Commission has decided to make the information public only after being sure about the legal acceptability of that. The Commission talked to everyone concerned, including lawyers, to take the decision, he added.

"Had it considered the information incorrect the Commission would not have publicized it," he said.

Responding to a query, Mashhud said had the "money been illegal it would have been mentioned in the wealth statement submitted to the Commission."

Asked if the information is proved wrong, he said in that case the person concerned could take legal measures against the ACC.

Sought comments on Barrister Rafique-ul Haque's remarks that 88 percent of the ACC cases are politically motivated, Mashhud said everyone is entitled to (his or her) opinion. "Through our activities in the last one and half to two years we've tried to prove that we've not been politically influenced. If we were (politically motivated) we couldn't possibly hold our current position."

About bringing the money back, he said everything has to be done through legal process. "It has to be done through Mutual Legal Assistance Request. We're working."

Asked whether his today's remarks and that of Col Hanif Iqbal on Thursday could influence the election, Mashhud said, "That's not our concern. In our law and rules it is not written that ACC will have to be aware about political situation and activities while determining its activities."

Commenting on suggestions that ACC does not want the election to be held, he said, "It should not matter whether ACC wants election or not. As a citizen, I want election."

Asked if the ACC would be able to continue the cases, including Koko' s one, under the future political government, the ACC chairman said, "There will be 100 percent intention. But, whether we'll be able to do will depend upon assistance and interruption we'll get from legal process."

2,500 foreign observers to watch JS polls

Chief Election Commissioner Dr. ATM Shamsul Huda is
seen among the foreign election observers at BRAC Centre at
Mohakhali yesterday. FocusBangla

BSS, Dhaka

The ever highest number of some 2,500 foreign observers from various countries and organisations, including Commonwealth and European Union, will arrive here to monitor the ninth Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election scheduled for December 29.

Chief Election Commission (CEC) Dr ATM Shamasul Huda yesterday said this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the briefing to short-term observers of Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) at BRAC Inn in the city.

He urged the foreign observers to make their due contribution in giving the democracy a firm shape in Bangladesh. They will do their job very neutrally and sincerely according to the expectation of the people and political parties, the CEC hoped.

Dr Huda said, "We always lay importance to impartial and neutral election observation, particularly by the foreign observers, as they are not any interested party in our electoral process."

Moreover, political parties, despite having their reservation about some local observatory groups, shown their confidence in international observation, he said adding that the foreign observers will do their job freely without any influence in line with the expectation of voters and political parties.

The CEC said many foreign countries are keen to see the next election in Bangladesh, which is going to be held for the first time with an electoral roll with photographs, transparent ballot boxes and under a peaceful regime during the pre and post- election period.

Chairperson of the ANFREL and retired professor of philosophy and political science at St Lois University in the Philippines Damaso Magbual, former election commissioner of Nepal Surya Prasad Shrestra, and executive director of the ANFREL and former chair of the Amnesty International, Thailand, Somsri Han-anantasuk, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Referring to the electoral reforms, the CEC said the ninth parliamentary election in Bangladesh is under close monitoring by the political parties as well as outside world as many new electoral rules are going to be implemented through the elections.

He said the role of the observers is not only to monitor the accuracy of the poll, but also help institutionalize the fair electoral system.

In view of this, Dr Huda said the observers have been asked to submit specific reports on their observation in prescribed forms instead of making any sweeping remarks like in the past so that the EC can take corrective measures for next time.

Damaso Magbual said the ANFREL was formed in 1997 with the volunteers from 16 Asian countries and it observed 34 elections in the region. He said they would identify some 'critical areas' in Bangladesh where 20 observers will work for long-term and 50 observers for short-term basis.

He said the ANFREL is closely working with the Election Working Group (EWG) and they are not totally obligated to follow the directions of the local group.

"We will assess and then deploy our volunteers. Two things are very significant to make the election success-one is faith of people in the election process and the other is participation of people in the election, he said.

The former chief election commission of Nepal said the election is a part of human rights. The electoral roll with photographs is a major progress for democracy in Bangladesh, he said adding that a correct voter list is indispensable for a fair election.

Political parties must be dedicated and committed to democracy, which is very crucial for political stability in the region, he said.

Branding Bangladesh a fundamentalist state a conspiracy: Khaleda

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia addressing a huge
public meeting at Sylhet yesterday. Saifur Rahman, the
MP-candidate of Sylhet Sadar is also seen.
FocusBangla

Talha Bin Habib from Sylhet

Former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia termed the upcoming national poll crucial for preserving independence, sovereignty and Islam calling upon nation to cast vote in favour of BNP-Jamaat alliance.

"The country is facing on an acid test on the 29th December. To save independence and sovereignty of the country and Islam I urge you to vote in favour of 4-party alliance," BNP Chairperson yesterday said while addressing rallies at different constituencies in Sylhet, the motherland of holy shrines.

"You'll have to pay the price if you commit any mistake in the Dec 29 election. The country will be saved if you vote for a patriotic power. On the other hand, the country will be insecure under the hand of those who want to sell the country off", she added. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday cautioned the nation against a deep rooted external conspiracy in connivance with a vested group within the country to branding Bangladesh a fundamentalist state.

She referred to recent reports in certain foreign magazines and relentless propaganda by a neighbouring country and said this was a part of the conspiracy to 'push fundamentalism into Bangladesh'.

Khaleda who served as prime minister for two terms told the meeting that the country was today facing an acid test on December 29. "Your vote will prove if you want to safeguard the national interest and inflict crushing defeat to those who are eager to barter away the sovereignty."

In her unusual 35-minute speech the wary BNP chief referred to the incident when a section of her political opponents undermined Islam by wearing a cap on the head of a dog few years ago. "Do you want Islam is again undermined?" she asked the audience with a thundering response No.

Directing at external forces, Khaleda said Bangladesh is not a fundamentalist state. Here people of different religions - Hindu, Buddha, Christian - have been living in harmony for ages. There are no communal disturbances or riots as are often evident in a neighbouring country. Certain elements at the behest of external forces tried to create disturbance in the name of religion had been suppressed during the BNP government.

Referring to the logi-baitha movement of Awami League she reminded the nation of brutal killings on the street of Dhaka and blockade across the country that inflicted a heavy dent to the economy. She questioned for whose interest the anarchic situation was created? Obviously, the country will not be safe in their hands, she added in a veiled reference to Awami League.

Pointing to the ACC report of her son Koko's Tk 11 crore transactions through a Singapore bank Khaleda termed it false. "The false information was dished out with a motive to undermine her party on the eve of election," she said and urged the people not to be misled by the report.

About corruption, Khaleda said her party is wholly for weeding out corruption. It is BNP that the Anti-Corruption Commission was set up.

"We will curb corruption but shall not harass innocent people in doing it," she added.

The BNP chief pledged for reducing and easily available of agricultural inputs, promote entrepreneurs with incentive for setting up new factories and take all out measures to bring down price of essentials.

She also pledged for setting up a school-college of international standard in Sylhet and asked the local leaders to look for a suitable place for it.

Asking for vote the BNP chairperson introduced six 4-party alliance candidates - Saifur Rahman, Ilias Ali, Shafi Ahmed Chowdhury. Dilder Hossain Selim, Maulana Fariduddin and Maulana Habibur Rahman.

She also addressed projection meetings at Moulvibazar, Brahmanbaria and Bhairab before returning to Dhaka late at night.

NBR worries over fake TIN certificates

Staff Reporter

NBR chairman Muhammad Abdul Mazid yesterday said that from now on they would hold a a review meeting after every three months following discover of fake taxpayers' identification numbers (TINs) which were are used in 50 per cent cases of land registration and obtaining credit cards.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) had conducted a survey which showed fake TINs are used in about 33 per cent cases of car purchase, 2.38 per cent cases of opening LCs and 3.92 per cent cases in availing of bank loan over Tk 5 lakh. The survey was conducted in the offices of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) in Mirpur and Keraniganj, Sub-registrar offices in Uttara, Gulshan, Badda, Dohar, Sutrapur, Keraniganj, Nababganj, Demra, Tejgaon, Khilgaon, Mohammadpur, Mirpur and Savar, and different branches of banks that provide credit cards.

"Out of 168 land registration cases, 83 were done with fake TINs and 18 credit cards out of 37 were issued with fake TINs," the NBR survey said.

In the wake of this "alarming" situation, the NBR yesterday held a meeting with representatives of BRTA, city corporations, banks, LGED and land registration department to find out a way to catch the fake TIN users.

Later, NBR chairman Muhammad Abdul Mazid told reporters at a press briefing that from now on they would have a review meeting after every three months.

"This is an alarming situation… a good number of people are availing of all government services without paying taxes," the NBR chairman said.

He said the NBR would soon go for a detailed survey in this regard to detect the fake TIN users. "We'll form teams and they'll find out the fake TIN users office-wise," he informed.

Responding to a question, the NBR chief said his organisation is ready to go to any length as per the existing law.

According to section 165 of the Income Tax Ordinance, the fake TIN users face punishment of three months to three years imprisonment or fine or both.

NBR data showed the number of TIN holders till October 31 of this year as 2,262,885 although only 676,100 people submitted their tax returns for fiscal 2008-09, prompting the NBR to be tough to net the tax- dodgers for giving a boost to income tax collection.

Currently, TIN is mandatory for purchasing land, apartment, house, car and getting credit card.

The use of fake TINs has come in the limelight as thousands of people made a mad rush for applying for Uttara and Purbachal housing plots.

Besides, the NBR chairman said 493 out of 1,556 candidates contesting the December 29 general election do not have TINs.

Participation of women in electoral process urged

Narsingdi Correspondent

Speakers at a meeting urged the government and the Election Commission (EC) to take necessary steps to ensure the participation of women in every sector of electoral process.

They made this call while addressing a face-to-face dialogue on 'Equal Participation of Women in Politics at the Narsingdi District Hospital Auditorium organised by Mothers' Developments Society (MDS), a local human rights organisation, in association with Steps Towards, an international NGO. Presenting his keynote paper, Sheikh Foruz Ahmed, of Steps Towards said, " It is essential to include women representatives in the electoral policy making body to ensure equal participation of women in the electoral process.

Without their equal participation in the electoral process, it is impossible to empower the women."

He also called upon the media to extend their co-operation in this regard.

Fahima Khanam, Executive Director of MDS, presided over the meeting while Nibaron Roy, president of Narsingdi District Press Club, attended as the chief guest.

A number of journalists, NGO activists, local political leaders, teachers and civilians, among others, were present in the meeting.

3 gunned down, 6 injured in city

Staff Reporter

Three young men were killed and another was critically injured by indiscriminate gunfire of unknown criminals Sunday last night in the city's Manikdi under Cantonment Police Station.

The victims are: Graphics analyst of a firm at Banani Ariful Alam, 30, Belayat Hossain Shopon and Sayeed.

Injured hatchery employee Sayeed, 25, received bullets in his chest while taxi driver Kabir Hossain, 22, in his throat. The two were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in critical condition. The wonded Sayeed was dead yesterday at DMCH.

Sayeed said when he was alive told the New Nation, "Unknown assailants sprayed indiscriminate bullets when I was having tea with my friend Hasan and a few others.

Deceased Ariful's uncle Khorshed Alam said Arif was a resident of Uttar Khan area. He could not say why Arif was in Manikdi. An another incident: Three youths, including a Jubo League leader, suffered bullet wounds in a gun attack in the city's Tejgaon area yesterday.

Police said a group of miscreants stormed into local Jubo League office at about 1:00pm and fired shots indiscriminately targeting Milon, 28, general secretary of unit-7 of 39 No ward Jubo League, injuring Milon and two pedestrians. The injured pedestrians were identified as Mukta, daughter of Al Amin and Shirin, a local garment worker.

Milon, also a vegetable trader, sustained bullets in his chest, back and legs, while Mukta in her right hand and Shirin in her right leg.

They were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

Talking to reporters at the DMCH, Milon alleged that four local BNP activists -- Nayan, Dulal, Faruk and Shiplu -- made the gun attack on them.

A case was filed with Tejgaon police station in this connection.

Transition to democracy: Govt plans talks with Khaleda,Hasina before Dec 29 polls

Staff Reporter

The Caretaker Government has a plan to hold a meeting between the top leaders of the two major alliances, Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina for a smooth transition to democracy through handover of power to the elected government.

"The meeting will take place whenever the two leaders agree to sit as they are busy electioneering ahead of the December 29 parliamentary elections," Government's spokesman and Adviser for Commerce and Education Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists at his ministry in the Secretariat.

He said the meeting would be held with a view to creating an atmosphere of trust in the elections as well as a smooth handover of power after a successful and acceptable election.

Replying to a question, the Adviser said they do not fear any untoward incident in the run-up to, during and after the election.

He said there is an action plan made with us that will be handed over to the next government. "But it depends on them whether to accept it or not," he added.

Home Affairs Secretary Abdul Karim yesterday told reporters that about 50,000 striking force have taken position throughout the country from December 20.

Briefing reporters he said the authorities are planning to add 6,000 more RAB personnel and enough number of the armed police battalion on December 24 to beef up the vigilance.

The Home Secretary said the government is putting the striking force in all constituencies to maintain law and order and facilitate the holding a free, fair and credible election.

They will be available at a small distance on call. The village police and chaukidars will also support the election functionaries, he said.

As per statistics, he said, the country has 35,216 polling centers with 10,77107 polling booths. The total number of voters stands at 8,1058698. The number of female voters stands higher at 4,1236149 compared to 3,9822549 male voters.

The authorities have categorized the polling centers in two groups such as ordinary centers and risky ones.

He said, on the day before the election day; all law enforcing personnel, presiding officer, assistant presiding officers and polling officers will go together to the polling center with all materials and take its control.

He said the law enforcing personnel would under the presiding officer until he has deposited the results of the polls, its ballot papers and boxes to relevant authorities to avoid risks.

Meanwhile, Election Commission Secretary Humayun Kabir yesterday told reporters that authentic results of the December 29 elections direct from the polling-centers can be published in the media.

The election results found from the returning officers and presiding officers could be allowed to be broadcast through the media, he said.

After counting the ballots, he said, the presiding officers at the polling-stations would hang the result sheets outside "from where anybody can collect the information.

The media-men urged the Election Commission to provide equal facilities to both private and state-owned media in broadcasting the election results from the commission on the polling-day.

In respond to a suggestion to keep mobile phone open to disseminate elections news quickly, he said, the EC official said the commission would later take decision about this issue.