The New Nation - Internet Edition

Everything on target to hold Dec 29 polls: C’wealth observers to receive complaints from candidates and voters

Staff Reporter

Commonwealth Observer Group thinks that everything has been on target to hold the December 29 parliamentary polls in a free and fair manner.

Former Mauritius President and head of the Commonwealth Observer Group Cassam Uteem said this when asked to comment on the pre-polls atmosphere in the country.

Addressing a press conference at Sonargaon Hotel in the city, he said the Commonwealth Observer Group would consider the transparency of the electoral process and impartiality of the state apparatus and state media during the polls.

"The group will consider all factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole," he said.

Cassam Uteem said the Commonwealth observers comprising current and former members of parliament, former chief election commissioner and representative of civil society and the media, would take into different places in the country within a couple of days. Earlier, he said the Group would meet with political parties, civil society, media, High Commissions and representatives of other international and domestic observation group.

The group chief said they would observe the election campaign, voting, counting and results processes. Asked how a small group would cover the countrywide elections, he said they would set up a mechanism to receive complaints from parties, candidates and voters and would be able to assess a realistic statement on the election process.

About perceived threat to foil the elections, Cassam Uteem said that Election Commission officials apprised them that everything has been done and everything is being done to ensure that the polls go on peaceful means.

He said the Group would make an interim statement on the election on December 30.

In his written statement, the Commonwealth chief observer said the election on December 29 should enable the resumption of normal democratic life in the country and the reconstitution of the parliament.

He expressed satisfaction at the lifting of the state of emergency so the election campaign and polling can be conducted under normal conditions.

The Group members include Ahmed Mehbub, Executive Director, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency, Ms Ilham Mohamed, Head of Transparency Maldives, Halifa Sallah, former opposition leader of Gambina Parliament, Dr Sharman Stone MP of Australia, Ms Judith Thompson, Election Expert, Canada, Ms Sasha Mohammed, Journalist, Trinidad and Tobago, Dame Jennifer Smith, Deputy Speaker and ex-Premier of Bermuda, and BB Tandon, ex-Chief Election Commissioner of India.

X-mas today

X-mas tree being decorated at Sheraton Hotel on
Wednesday evening. NN photo

Staff Reporter

The Christian community will celebrate the largest religious festival 'Christmas Day' today across the country in remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Christian community believes, God appeared on earth through his son, Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day. It is also a celebration of rebirth, new beginnings, forgiveness and peace as the New Year approaches. It is an occasion for the Christians to renew their relationship with god and with their fellow humans.

The day's festive activities include decoration of X-mass trees with lights, special church services, distribution of gifts among the children by Santa Claus, family gatherings and Christmas Day feasts. The day is a public holiday.

To ensure peaceful celebrations of Christmas, security had been beefed up in the capital city and elsewhere in the country. Police and RAB personnel have been deployed to ensure safety.

Radio and TV channels will put up special Christmas Day programmes, while national dailies will publish supplements highlighting the significance of the day.

A number of organisations and individuals will throw parties, featuring Christmas carols, games, dance shows and seetting of Christmas cakes.

The main Christmas congregation to be held at the Ramna Cathedral will be conducted by Archbishop Costa, but the largest congregation is traditionally held at Tejgaon Church.

The Radission Water Garder Hotel, Sonargaon and Dhaka Sheraton hotels will offer special lunch and dinner and a Christmas party.

President Iajuddin Ahmed will host a reception for the members of Christian community at Bangabhaban tomorrow.

The President, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina greeted the people of the Christian community and wished them the best.

President Iajuddin, in his message, said Jesus Christ is one of the prophets who emerged in the globe with the message of peace from time to time.

"The ideals of the great Jesus Christ are welfare of humanity and the glory of sacrifice. His ideals inspire mankind to tread the path of truth, welfare and peace." Iajuddin added.

"All of us will have to be careful to uphold the continued glorious history of communal harmony in Bangladesh," said the chief adviser in his message.

The Archbishop of Dhaka in his Christmas message yesterday urged all to be united in electing good leaders for the country.

Archbishop Paulinus Costa, in his Christmas Eve message urged people of all faiths: "Let us unitedly choose the best leader for the country in the forthcoming Jatiya Sangsad election."

"The teachings of Jesus Christ encapsulate love towards the poor and forgiveness," he observed.

AL president Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia also issued separate messages stressing religious tolerance and communal harmony.

Sheikh Hasina AL said her party was pledge-bound to safeguard the rights of all people irrespective of their faith, while Khaleda Zia noted that Bangladesh was a remarkable example of religious tolerance.

Khaleda conspiring to quit polls: Hasina

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina addressing an
election rally in Dinajpur on Wednesday.
FocusBangla

Pankaj Karmakar from Dinajpur

Former prime minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina at a rally in Dinajpur yesterday alleged that Khaleda Zia was conspiring to leave the election race through propagating a rumour of bomb attack on her.

The AL president also referred to Khaleda as a patron of terrorism and the mother of terrorists. "The incident of bomb attack occurred 7 km from Khaleda's rally venue. It had no connection with the rally. Seeing the surge of boat she is fanning the rumour and trying to run away from the election battle ground," she said.

"Who will kill persons who are themselves the root of terrorism and patrons of terrorists," said Hasina pointing at the 4-party alliance.

The AL chief said this at the rally at the martyrs' ground in Dinajpur.

She said BNP nominated patrons of terrorists and killers in different constituencies of the country. BNP nominated the brother of Abdus Salam Pintu accused of 21st August grenade attack from Tangail and the bother of killer Ahsanullah master from Gazipur.

She introduced Monoranjan Shel Gopal for Dinajpur-1, Khaled Mahmud Chowdhury for Dinajpur-2, Iqbalur Rahim for Dinajpur-3, AHM Mahbubur Rahman for Dinajpur-4 and Mostafizur Rahman for Dinajpur-5 on the day. She supported both AL and Jatiya Party (JP) candidates for Dinajpur-6.

Hasina introduced Azizul Haq Chowdhury as AL and Delwar Hossain as JP candidates.

Hasina left her residence for the rallies at 7:40am. She first arrived at Peergacha of Rangpur, the home of her father-in-law late Abdul Kader Mia. She visited the graves of her in laws and then attended the rally.

Addressing the audience Hasina said, " I am a daughter in law of Rangpur. My respectability depends on the victory in the upcoming polls. I am handing over that responsibility to you."

AL President promised to exploit the mineral resources of Rangpur for their benefit if voted to power. By ensuring food security we would resolve the Manga problem.

"December is the month of victory. The election on December 29 will bring another victory and that will be the victory of democracy," she said.

She promised to double the old age, widow and freedom fighter's pensions. Fertiliser would be sold in the open market and subsidy would be given in agriculture. Labours would be given proper wages, she assured the audience.

Hasina claimed that during her government the private sector was given more priority. Banks were privatised and the licences of private TV channels were approved.

"Though my family members were killed, I did not give up politics. Because I love my country and its people. That is why I am in politics," the daughter of late Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib said.

She said though Rangpur would be turned into a division, the education board would be in Dinajpur. The Wheat Research Centre will be transformed into Wheat Research Institute if voted to power.

On her way to Dinajpur, Hasina participated in roadside rallies at different places- Sirajganj-2, Bogra-5, Bogra-6 and Gaibandha-4.

We will win, no retreat from polls: Khaleda

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia addressing an
election rally in Feni on Wednesday. FocusBangla

Feni Correspondent

BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday warned of dire consequences of foiling the forthcoming parliamentary elections on December 29.

She ruled out any possibility of retreating from the polls race.

"Conspiracies are on to spoil the polls and BNP has no intention to abstain from contesting the polls, " she said while speaking to a huge crowd to a rally at Feni Pilot High School ground.

She also conducted election rally in her home district where she is contesting election from Feni-1, one of three constituencies she was running in the election. She also addressed wayside meetings in Fulgazi Bazar, Munshirhat, Chhagalnaiya and Parshuram. She said that there was an attempt to kill her in Chandina.

"The conspirators were not successful because if Allah wants to keep anyone alive, no one can harm him or her, " she added and thanked the security officials for ensuring her safety.

She warned the government that people of the country would not tolerate vote rigging and attempts to foil the elections.

" We should be alert and if the election is subverted an irreparable damage will be done to the country," she mentioned.

She urged the government to maintain neutrality and ensure a level playing field for all parties participating in the polls.

Rejecting the rumour by a section that BNP does not want to participate in the election, Begum Zia said BNP as well as the four-party alliance has no intention to withdraw from the coming race.

"Those who are jealous at the growing popularity of four-party alliance are involved in malicious propaganda against BNP, " she said and alleged a particular party was hatching conspiracy against the four-party alliance.

Mentioning the growing popularity of BNP, Khaleda said " Inshallah, people of the country would vote BNP like in 1991 and 2001".

She called upon the voters to reject those involved in conspiracy against the people and the development of the country.

"Those who are conspiring to turn us into a subservient nation must be voted out in the forthcoming polls," she added.

She said the BNP has prevailed over the caretaker government to lift the state of emergency and realise people's demands.

"Some quarters did not like BNP contesting in the elections and had not even demanded the emergency to be lifted," she asserted.

Citing the pictures of the country in the last two years Begum Zia said the economy of the country became stagnant; exports declined and the country was made a market for products of another country.

She said, "We stopped terrorist activities in Feni and would take strict measures to stop terrorist activities across the country. We formed the ACC during our rule and would take actions against those who are real

corrupt if voted to power."

She also wished the Christian community on the eve of the X-Mass

being observed today.

She also said that the harassment of people in the name of preventing corruption need to be stopped and the arrest of those really corrupt ensured.

Mentioning the development activities initiated during the rule of BNP, Khaleda Zia said that a notable progress ranging from expansion of education to industrialisation was made during the BNP government.

"We allowed girl education free up to higher secondary level and we promise to raise it to the degree level," she added.

She said that people of different religions were able to observe their religious festivals without fear and intimidation during the BNP rule.

Earlier Khaleda left her cantonment residence on Tuesday for two-day election tour of the southeast. She addressed public meetings at Munshiganj, Comilla, Luxmipur, Noakhali and stopped overnight at Feni.

Begum Zia was scheduled to address election rally in Chittagong. But her tour in the port city was cancelled following the arrest of two suspected militants in Comilla with hand-made grenades on Tuesday.

2 more grenades

Contd from page 1

Masud and Naim - arrested on Tuesday were taken to the RAB headquarters in Dhaka for interrogation.

The elite force members continued massive operation at Nabiabad and Barakamta to hunt down the militants involved with the Tuesday's incident.

Earlier, on Tuesday evening, RAB exchanged gunfire with a group of militants and arrested two of them with three grenades in Debidwar upazila, about 30kms west of Comilla district town.

Election-2008: Changes in campaign style

Hasnat Abdul Hye

To judge by enthusiasm, Bangladeshis' love of election knows no bounds. Both the adults who are voters and the young who have yet to attain eligibility, wallow in electioneering with a gusto in favour of their chosen candidates. Money spent acts as the grist but that alone does not explain the gaiety and excitement. The theatrics and euphoria that are given free rein turn electioneering into a veritable festival. Being gregarious and convivial, Bangladeshis relish festivals. No wonder that election campaign also turns into a joyous festivity. Granted, untoward incidents, even violence, occur during electioneering but these do not detract from the mirth and merriment of the occasion.

This year's election campaign differs from the previous ones in important respects. For one, the number of candidates in a constituency is fewer than before. This is because of the strict eligibility criteria enforced by the Election Commission. Last-minute entry into the race by independent candidates has, however, added some excitement. The presence of 'rebel candidates' in more than two dozen constituencies may have embarrassed and handicapped the two major alliances but this has intensified competition among candidates, much to the delight of their supporters. This has taken election frenzy to new heights. BNP-led alliance has been able to dissuade about a dozen rebel candidates from contesting as independent candidates, but Awami League has not been successful in this regard. Having a large number of parties in the alliance, Awami League was put in a tight spot while allocating seats, a problem that was not acute for BNP. The willingness of the 'rebel candidates' to withdraw in favour of the BNP-led alliance speaks of better organisational skill of the party and spirit of discipline among the leaders.

Apart from the number of candidates and their configuration, it is the style of campaigning that marks the main difference between the present and the past elections.

Ceiling imposed by the Election Commission on maximum amount of money that can be spent by a candidate has made election campaign less extravagant and tumultuous. Gone are the multi-coloured posters displaying the photos of candidates and their party supremo and the founder. Posters in black and white flutter, attached to ropes that are strung overhead. There are no slogans, names of candidates, symbols of parties on the walls that now look spick- and- span. This must be the first time since independence that walls have been spared from graffiti and slogans during election. Gates erected by parties and candidates, an ubiquitous scene in past electioneering, are also few and far between this time. Meetings held and processions brought out by supporters of candidates are also relatively modest affairs, in stark contrast with the past. Big rallies and meetings are, however, being held for the top leaders of the two major parties but these, too, have not been many in number because of limited time allowed under the election schedule. The discipline and simplicity seen in the present election campaign are singularly due to the careful planning by the Election Commission. The strategy to put a lid on all kinds of excesses received priority in its overall planning. As a result, it has been possible to keep criminal elements off from electioneering by and large, so far. Similar achievement has been made in stopping the infusion of black money for election campaigning, though some exceptions to this have been reported in the media. Credit should be given to the political parties and candidates also for their compliance of the rules and code of conduct prescribed by the Election Commission to regulate the activities during the campaign. The willingness to turn over a new leaf in respect of electioneering, leaving the beaten track bodes well for the future. These reforms at field level will inevitably influence the culture of politics at national level. Participation in politics and election will no longer be the exclusive preserve of those controlling black money and musclemen.

If the style of electioneering has significantly changed for the better, so has the contents of campaigns. Fulminations against rival party and leaders are still being heard but they have not crossed the limits of decency and propriety so far. On the other hand, more is being said about what the parties (alliances) will do if voted to power than negative attacks against rivals. Keeping their constituencies in view, Awami League is trying to make capital out of alleged misrule and corruption by the BNP-led alliance while they were in power. The BNP-led alliance, on the other hand, appears to be playing the religion and sovereignty cards, implying that these will be more secure if they are voted to power. These are ideological issues and matters germane to governance. The parties' (alliances) credentials are represented by these issues, particularly the ideological ones. Though these are divisive it will be unrealistic to expect an alliance to opt for something more general and neutral. Let the electorate be the final arbiter in this contest of ideas and past records. This is what election is all about.

Whoever wins polls have to focus on democracy: Moriarty

UNB, Dhaka

American envoy James Moriarty spells out three priorities for the would-be winner of Bangladesh elections to focus on restoring full democracy, development, and denying opportunities for terrorism to flourish.

"Any successful government in Bangladesh has to address all three." Otherwise, he says in advance, "Bangladesh will face even greater challenges than it does at present".

The US Ambassador in an interview with VOA said, "If the democracy does not function well, you will see ungoverned space, you will see much slower economic development than you would otherwise. If development doesn't occur, you will have a lot more poor people, you will have a lot more opportunities for bad guys to do bad things."

Moriarty has appeared recently twice with Awami League president Sheikh Hasina. But he says he is not playing favorites and hopes to meet again with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia before election day.

"We have no preferred candidate," he said. "I've reached out to both of the former prime ministers. I've assured them that the United States has important interests in Bangladesh, wants to see a return to democracy and will work well with whatever government comes to power."

The general election in Bangladesh is now set for December 29 after its postponement in January last year following a political crisis over the poll issues and change of guards in state power with military backing.

The Ambassador said he is convinced "Bangladesh's military wants to get out of politics and has kept to its own timetable for the transition back to an elected civilian government"

US travel alert on Bangladesh elections

UNB, Dhaka

The US State Department has warned its citizens of the risks of travel to Bangladesh and urged caution while traveling before and after parliament election on December 29. In its travel alert the State Department said the Bangladesh government lifted a State of Emergency on December 17 that had been in place since January 11, 2007. With the December 29 national election approaching, political parties began to organize large gatherings and election rallies throughout the country.

It said large gatherings in Bangladesh, including those organized for campaigning purposes, in the past have erupted in violence. Several newspapers also have reported terrorist threats focused on the elections.

With these developments in mind, the travel alert notice said the U.S. citizens traveling to or already in Bangladesh were advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to review their security awareness.

"The security situation in Bangladesh can be fluid, and Americans are urged to check with the U.S. Embassy for the latest information," the notice said. It noted that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can quickly and unexpectedly escalate into violence.

"American citizens, therefore, are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any demonstrations," the notice said, adding U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

This travel alert will expire on January 5, 2009.

Barisal Varsity starts functioning next month

Barisal Correspondent

The first public university in Barisal division will start functioning from next month.

The site for the highest seat of learning in this division named 'Shahid Ziaur Rahman University' has been selected at Goriar par along Barisal-Dhaka Highway on the outskirts of Barisal city. Initially it will function in 16 rented rooms for starting classes in six subjects.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at a recent meeting approved a budget of Tk 65 crore for the university.

The decision to establish a full-fledged public university in Barisal division was first approved by then President Ziaur Rahman in his first cabinet meeting outside the capital at Barisal Circuit House on

November 23,1979.

Earlier, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia laid the foundation of university at Defulia under Barisal Sadar in September ,2006.

Following the changeover on January,2007 the University Grant Commission cancelled the acquisition of plot at Defulia on the ground of exorbitant cost of land.

The incumbent government finally selected the site of the university at Goriar par on the recommendation of a five-member committee headed by joint secretary of the Planning Ministry.

Many of the local elites and members of the professional groups suggested the establishment of the university at its original site at Defulia.

The Barisal Division Development Council has also submitted a memorandum to the concerned authority opposing its establishment

along the busy highway at Goriar par and demanding its shifting to its original site at Defulia.

Double-candidate syndrome leaves voters in quandary

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Just days ahead of the national vote, the two major electoral alliances headed by Awami League and BNP are still suffering 'double candidate syndrome', leaving constituents in a quandary over splitting the vote.

The grand alliance has both AL and Jatiya Party hopefuls in some 15 seats around the country, while the four-party alliance has both BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates contesting at least four seats. After drawn-out negotiations last month between AL president Sheikh Hasina and JP chairman HM Ershad, the grand alliance allocated 46 seats to JP and another three seats, Sylhet-3, Khulna-3 and Nilfamari-4, kept open for both parties to contest.

But after the deadline for withdrawal of candidacy, both AL and JP candidates remained in 15 seats, with voters voicing their dilemma as no compromise appears to have been reached to date.

Dhaka-5 sees JP's Syed Abu Hossain Babla and AL's Habibur Rahman Mollah contesting, the latter with a court order.

AL supporters of the area believe that two candidates of the grand alliance competing against each other will give an advantage to the BNP candidate for the seat.

Ershad has repeatedly called for AL to withdraw its candidates from the disputed seats saying they were promised to his party under the alliance's seat-sharing deal and accusing AL of breaching that deal. Co-chairman of AL's election coordination committee, HT Imam, however says efforts are still underway to settle these problems.

"As candidacy cannot be withdrawn now, one will be kept while the other will be made inactive," he told bdnews24.com on Monday.

He said that problems with dual candidacy for Mymensingh-4 and Chittagong-9 have been settled. "For Mymansingh-4, AL's candidate Professor Motiur Rahman has been finalised and JP will be inactive. In return, JP will contest from Gaibandha-5 where AL candidate Fazle Rabbi will become inactive." For Chittagong-9, JP's Morshed Murad Ibrahim has been finalised and AL's Absarul Amin will stay inactive, while in Moulavibazar-2, JP's Nawab Ali Abbas will be the grand alliance candidate instead of AL's Ataur Rahman Shamim.

In Dinajpur-6, JP candidate Delwar Hosain was given the go-ahead by the grand alliance but in this seat, AL candidate Azizul Huq is still continuing with his campaign. The same has happened in Rangpur-4 where Karimuddin Bharsha was given nomination but AL candidate Tipu Munshi is still contesting under the boat symbol.

Rangpur-5 sees JP's S M Fakhruzzamans's pitted against AL's H N Ashiqur Rahman. Kurigram-4 sees JP's Golam Habib Dulal's competing with AL's Zakir Hossain.

In other seats the situation looks like this: in Gaibnadha-4 JP's Mohammad Ali Talukder faces AL's Monwar Hossain Chowdhury; in Gaibandha-5 JP's Rawshan Ershad runs up against AL's Fazle Rabbi; in Sirajganj-2 JP's Aminul Islam Jhontu goes up against AL's Jannat ara Henri; in Pirojpur-1 JP's Mostafa Jamal Haider is pitted against AL's AKM Awal; in Kushtia-4, JP's Abdul Awal faces AL's Sultana Tarun; in Comilla-11 JP's Kazi Zafar Ahmed runs against AL's Mujibul Huq; in Chittagong-9 JP's Morshed Murad faces AL's Absarul Amin; in Habiganj-2 JP's Abid Ali runs against AL's Abdul Majid Khan; in Munshiganj-3 JP's Mujibur Rahman goes up against AL's Idris Ali; in Netrokona-2 Fakir Ashraf is pitted against against AL's Ashraf Ali Khan; in Mymensingh-4, another of Rawshan Ershad's seats, she faces AL's Professor Motiur Rahman.

Meanwhile, BNP and Jamaat of the four-party alliance are contesting separately in at least four seats: Chapainawabganj, where BNP's Md Harun-Ur-Rashid is competing against Jamaat's Md Lotifur Rahman; in Rajshahi-3 BNP's Kabir Hossain runs up against Jamaat's Ataur Rahman; in Sirajganj-4 BNP's M Akbar Ali faces Jamaat's Rofiqul Islam Khan; in Meherpur BNP's Masud Arun is pitted against Jamaat's Samiruddin.