The New Nation - Internet Edition

Nation goes to JS polls today: 1,555 MP-candidates are in fray

Pulack Ghatack

The country is going to the polls today after nearly two years of emergency rule aimed at bringing the nation back to democracy.

Voting will begin at 8 AM and end at 4 PM continuing at a stretch. However, polling might be continued until all the voters, who would enter into the compounds of polling centres within this time, finish their casting, Election Commission (EC) sources said.

Counting will start soon after voting ends and initial results are expected by December 30. A total of 1,555 candidates, including some 50 women, are in the fray for 299 parliamentary seats, as election in Noakhali-1 constituency has been deferred to January 12 following death of Ganotantri Party leader Nurul Islam, who was a candidate there.

Of the citizens, some 8,10,58,698 registered voters, of which 50.9 percent are females, are eligible to exercise their franchise. Women voters outnumber men for the first time.

Total 54 parties and 1935 candidates contested in the last general election held in 2001 when the number of voters was 3,86,84,972.

The number of political parties and candidates drastically dropped this time around for tough political party-registration rules framed in tune with the clean-up drive conducted in the longest-running interim period that had thrown most of the country's top political leaders behind bars.

The number of voters also came down despite a huge population growth in seven years, thanks to the Commission's milestone-success in preparing a flawless voters list with the help of Army.

To guard against fraud, the EC has compiled a fresh list of voters, provided photographic identity cards, and will use transparent ballot boxes.

Voting is expected to bear little resemblance to previous graft-ridden elections due to the new digital electoral roll that eliminated 12.7 million fake names.

Police have captured two dozen militants and seized explosives, grenades and bombs in recent days, but campaigning has been free of the widespread violence seen in past elections .

"We have seen a radical change in the behaviour of the parties during election campaigning," EC Secretary Humayun Kabir told this correspondent.

"Except for some minor incidents, there has been little violence. We are confident the election will be the best in the country's history," he added.

The Awami League and BNP respectively led by former prime ministers Sheikh Hasina and Begum Khaleda Zia are the front-runners in the election. Some 191 candidates are also contesting independently in the polls.

Over 500 foreign observers and around 2 lakh local monitors are tracking the election process for fairness.

Though the number of voters decreased the Commission has set an increased number of polling boots this year comparing 1,49,288 of 2002 to keep up the speed of franchise in line with photographic voter-list.

A total of 35,216 polling centres have been set up across the country and the Commission has completed all preparations for holding the elections, which are highly significant for the nation for its democratic transition.

The EC in cooperation with Caretaker Government has arranged a tight security to ensure trouble-free polls. About 50,000 soldiers and more than 600,000 police, paramilitary and police auxiliaries will be on duty on the election day.

The candidates this time can give voter serial numbers outside centres, which may help speedy polling in the election booths, sources in the commission said.

The voting in the August polls to four city corporations and nine municipalities had gone slow as the voters were not provided serial numbers, he observed.

CA urges political parties: Accept poll results gracefully

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed urged the electorates to cast their votes consciously and wisely and appealed to the political parties to gracefully accept the results of tomorrow' s crucial general election.

"Let us get united and participate in an appropriate democratic process. I hope tomorrow's parliament elections will be a classic example not only for our nation but also in the international domain," he said in his address to the nation over radio and television on the eve of the polls.

In his apparently last national address as head of the caretaker government at 8:30 on Sunday night, Dr Fakhruddin told the voters that the stature of their representatives and mode of development in their areas as well as overall development depend on their decision.

"You are now sitting in the chair of judge… Keep it in mind that we are going to take a decision for five years through our single day's verdict. We'll not make mistake in taking the decision, Inshallah," he said.

Fakhruddin, who took over power at a critical juncture of the nation on January 12, 2007 under the state of emergency following the 1/11 changeover amid a political crisis, urged the parties to shun malice, violence and hostile mindset in the post-election period and be copartners in the future journey.

"We want to find unity, solidarity and unity in diversity. Today, it is critically important to have mutual respect, harmony and tolerance," he said.

The Chief Adviser said people's verdict should turn to be the responsibility of the elected representatives and the people's support and trust should be the commitment to build a happy Bangladesh by fulfilling the basic needs.

He said he had not performed his responsibility in the last two years with emotion or affection rather followed the Constitution and government rules. "We've tried to accomplish the assigned responsibility with only a few Advisers and Assistants," he said, adding: "We'll not claim cent-percent success for all our sincerity and efforts."

The Chief Adviser said his caretaker government embarked upon a journey for political reasons and that journey ends up with restoration of politics. He hoped that a free, fair, neutral and transparent election would be held tomorrow and it would remain a shining example for the next generation.

"We hope all will accept the election results in good grace," he said, adding that the next parliament will fulfill the aspirations of the people and steer the nation towards development and progress.

"Let violence and clash be gone, let discrimination and differences be removed and let conflict be resolved," he said in his valedictory speech and urged the people to face the future challenges holding the nice dream of independence in ever heart. "Make it sure that new generation does not need to look up the meaning of independence so we can present the nation a nice dream of Bangladesh."

In an emotion-charged voice, the head of the outgoing interim government said, "We had mistakes too. Maybe, sometimes I had been unintentionally the cause of someone's sorrow. For that I sincerely express my regret. I hope you will forgive our flaws and failures."

1000 mw electricity added by caretaker govt: Accord to build 50 mw Shikalbaha Power Plant

Managing Director of Energies Power Corporation
Javed Hosein and PDB Secretary Abdul Jalil signed an
agreement to set up an 50-MW power plant at Shikalbaha in
Chittagong yesterday. Commerce Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman
and Special Assisatant to the Chie

Staff Reporter

The next elected government will not face any impediment in power sector in the next one or two years as the caretaker government has already added over 1000 MW of electricity during its two-year tenure, said Power Division Secretary M Fouzul Kabir yesterday.

He was addressing a signing ceremony of Sikalbaha-50 MW power plant project at the Biddut Bhaban. The power plant project will be jointly implemented by the Power Development Board (PDB) and the Energies Power Corporation Limited.

Among others, Commerce Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman and Chief Adviser's Special Assistant to Energy, Power and Mineral Resources Ministry Dr M Tamim were present in the ceremony.

M Fouzul Kabir Khan said that the electricity generation reached 3900 MW in the pick hour yesterday as against 2,693MW in February, 2007.

He informed that additional 1164.2 MW of electricity will be produced by June next year. Of the electricity generation, a total of 168.5 MW will be added in January, 131 MW in February, 287.7 MW in March, 105MW in May and 50MW in June, Kabir said.

Dr M Tamim said that the caretaker government reformed the power sector to reduce the gap of power production and distribution system. The residents are getting benefits of the reform in this sector, he said, adding, the power division is unable to produce 600MW of power now due to shortage of gas.

Prof Tamim said that the government will complete all the procedures to implement the two mega projects of Bibiana and Sirajgonj power plants having 450 MW each during its tenure.

The electricity generation of Kaptai hydroelectric power plant will decline by 20MW due to fall in water in Kaptai Lake of Chittagong, according to him.

He hoped that implementation of Sikalbaha 50MW power plant project by June next year the power crisis in Chittagong will be reduced substantially.

Commerce Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman said that the power division has achieved great success to solve power crisis by its distribution and generation system.

"The Sikalbaha 50MW power plant project will reduce electricity crisis in Chittagong," he hoped.

Later, Power Development Board (PDB) Secretary Abdul Jalil and Energies Power Corporation Limited Managing Director Javed Hosein signed the agreement of the project on behalf of their organisations.

The Sikalbaha 50 MW Power Plant will be run by furnace oil.

CEC urges voters: Take opportunity of secured environment

Dr ATM Shamsul Huda

Staff Reporter

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday called upon the voters not to be influenced by others and cast their votes for their favourate candidates applying own intelligence and sagacity.

"I'm inviting all voters, regardless of political differences, to go to polling centres taking the opportunity of secured environment and cast their invaluable votes," he said while addressing the nation last night through Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar on the eve of the parliamentary election. Assuring the nation that the counting of the votes will be neutral, the CEC said all necessary preparations have been taken for a free and fair election today. You (voters) can go to the polling centers fearlessly and be part of the history through exercising their franchise, he said.

Terming the today's election as a historical one, Dr Huda said it is a great opportunity for people to be part of a truly democratic transition of the country.

"After a rough journey, we are now standing at a critical juncture of the nation. Only a firm confidence in democracy, can lead us to overcome all crises," he mentioned. He mentioned three key measures, security measures, photo voter roll and translucent ballot boxes, which would ensure a free, fair and credible vote.

The CEC said the voters for the first time have the opportunity in a transparent voting system. The roll of electorates with photographs and transparent ballot box are major progress to make the election free, fair and credible, he said.

He said the polling would start at 8:00am and continue till 4:00pm without any break. He, however, eligible voters who would stay in the queue or in the area of the polling center can cast their votes, as long the time is required.

Dr Huda warned all officials related to the election to play their impartial role and strictly follow the Representation of the People Order (RPO) in the whole process of voting ranging from casting of votes to counting and announcement of the result.

He said there is no scope to create any trouble or violence before or after the election as the government has undertaken to avert such incidents this time.

6 lakh security personnel deployed

Staff Reporter

At least 600,000 security personnel, including nearly 50,000 army troops have been deployed across the country to ensure a smooth election today for a new parliament and government.

Home Ministry officials said yesterday the deployment of law enforcers at polling centers began from 6:00am and election materials started to be moved to remote centers under strict security.

They said ballot boxes, ballot papers and other materials will be dispatched to remote centers in the three hill districts in southeast by helicopters.

The officials said 80,567 police, Rapid Action Battalion and Armed Police Battalion and 466,000 Ansars were posted across the country, the ever-highest number for the election duty. In the capital Dhaka alone, 38, 928 police and Ansars have been deployed, which is also the ever highest.

Besides, nearly 50,000 army men are in place as striking force at district and sub-district headquarters.

Colonel Mohammad Anisuzzaman, Director (Operation) of paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), said that the BDR men will be on guard independently in 70 out of 87 frontier sub-districts while with army in 16 frontier sub-districts to make sure no subversive acts take place or terrorists sneak into the country from across the border.

Navy will look after security in Teknaf subdistrict bordering Myanmar.

Cell phone to remain open

Staff Reporter

Cellular phones network will be in operation during the parliamentary elections to facilitate communication, Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda said yesterday.

In a televised address, CEC said the mobile phones would remain open this time during the parliamentary elections in order to keep communications uninterrupted.

He said none would be allowed to enter the polling center with mobile phone while casting their vote.

"Without authorised persons, nobody will be allowed to use mobile phone in the polling centers," the CEC said.

Earlier Election Commissioner M Sakhawat Hossain said they have recommended the suspension of network in certain areas.

A letter from the Election Commission has been sent to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Sunday afternoon.

The letter, signed by the senior assistant secretary at the EC Secretariat, states on election day, suspension of networks in certain areas might become essential.

"The mobile network will be active on election day though there is the provision for suspension of network in some areas," said Mihir Sarwar Morshed, deputy secretary at the EC Secretariat.

In the past, the CEC supported undisturbed mobile network during election.

Analysts predict immediate majority for none

Reuters, Dhaka

Some analysts predict neither Mahajote chief Sheikh Hasina nor her rival ex-PM Begum Khaleda Zia will have an immediate majority.

Jockeying to win needed parliamentary support could add to fears of post-election violence and delays in a new government tackling such challenges as fighting poverty and reducing endemic corruption in the South Asian nation of more than 140 million. In the immediate term, however, security forces are concentrating on preventing violence at the polls after a brick-throwing attack on a motorcade and clashes injuring nearly 200 marred final campaigning on Saturday.

"We have further tightened security ahead of the election," a police officer in one area hit by fighting said on Sunday.

Across the country, army troops were patrolling streets and police dispersing to polling points.

The military-backed government-which took power in January 2007 amidst political violence and canceled an election due that month-has deployed about 50,000 army troops and thousands of other security personnel.

"Small incidents are quite likely ahead of an election but these will not leave any impact on the voting tomorrow," said Hasan Mahmud Khandoker, chief of the security forces' elite Rapid Action Battalion. Aside from violence, Bangladesh elections have often seen widespread cheating and fraud, but for Monday, election rolls have been cleaned up, picture IDs provided, and some 200,000 local and 2,000 foreign monitors assigned to check procedures.

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, chairman of the National Election Observation Council, said: "It has been quiet so far today, and the conditions appear to be good for monitoring.

"We now hope that election day itself will pass off peacefully and that voters will turn out in large numbers," said Cassam Uteem, head of the Commonwealth Observer Group.

"Once the result is known, it is vital that both the victor and the loser-whoever they may be-work together in the interest of the country," he told Reuters on Sunday.

In final broadcast speeches on Saturday, Hasina and Khaleda, nicknamed the "battling Begums," both suggested it was time to end confrontational politics in which losers refuse to accept results and strikes and violent street protests are common.

But in mass rallies earlier in the day they repeated charges against one another of corruption, vote-rigging and incompetence, heated rhetoric that has analysts worried about post-election violence from the losing side.

Hasina's alliance includes the Jatiya Party of former military ruler Lieutenant-General Hossain Mohammad Ershad. The grouping joined with Khaleda and her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has backing from the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami.

Hasina and Khaleda alternated in power for 15 years through 2006. Despite their rivalry, analysts say policy differences are relatively small and what is critical for attracting needed-investment and aid is stability and peace.

Local media and analysts generally give Hasina a plus in the voting, but predicting a precise outcome is difficult.

Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury of Dhaka University said he would not rule out the possibility of a hung parliament, adding "support of independent legislators may be crucial for either woman if the election is close."

Economists and foreign aid donors to Bangladesh hope that once settled in, the new government will tackle endemic corruption distorting the business playing field, and seek to boost growth in the country, some 45 percent of whose people live in poverty.

Indian survey ships move westwards

UNB, Dhaka

The Indian survey ships that intruded into Bangladesh maritime boundary moved slightly westwards and were carrying out their survey works in Indian water territory.

Earlier, Bangladesh Navy ship, 'Khalid Bin Walid', requested the Indian ships to leave Bangladesh maritime boundary as it spotted the ships in Bangladesh waters on the night of December 25, said an ISPR release.

In reply, officials at the Indian ships said they were under the management of their government and carrying out survey works inside Indian water territory.

The survey was being carried out with assistance from an Australian ship with 49 crewmembers of different countries onboard, the release added.

Ships of Indian Coastguard and MPA were also seen assisting the survey activities in the deep see for brief periods at different times.

Under the circumstances, Bangladesh Navy has strengthened their patrol for keeping close watch on the survey activities by the two survey ships.

Home-bound passengers meet accident: 25 killed, 20 injured

Staff Reporter

A truck loaded with iron rods veered off a road, killing 25 hitchhikers riding in the back and injuring 20 others, in a fatal accident at Kandila near the Tangail town yesterday.

Police said most of the passengers on the truck were traveling home to cast votes in today's national elections.

Witnesses said the accident occurred at about 9:30 am when the Bogra-bound truck carrying nearly 50 day-labourers and rickshaw-pullers on board from the capital veered off the road.

The sources said 25 people, including three children and a woman, died on the spot while two died on way to the hospital.

On information, police and fire-brigade personnel rushed to the spot and rescued the injured.

Of the injured, 20 were admitted to Tangail Sadar hospital.

Eight of the dead were identified as Azizur Rahman, Shamim (1), Shamim (2) and Lalon of Sherpur in Bogra, Shakil of Monohorpur of Gaibandha, Monir Miah of Gabsara village in Bhuapur of Tangail and Afsar and his son Shahjalal of Kabihat in Sirajganj district.

The survivors said the driver of the truck lost control over the steering "due to poor visibility caused by dense fog", resulting in the tragic accident.

Enamul Haque, a 41-year-old survivor, lost his 11-year-old son who was traveling with him to visit his home in the northern district of Gaibandha. The man, a rickshaw-puller, said some 40 people were riding in the truck.