The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said the December 29 ninth parliament election set high standards for all future elections and signaled the beginning of a new process of democracy and good governance in Bangladesh.

Dr Fakhruddin, whose interim regime had done the groundwork for two years under state of emergency for fair polls, said his government carried out institutional reforms to lay the foundation of democracy.

He noted that since the assumption of office, his government has worked hard for holding a free, fair and credible election to transfer power peacefully to an elected government. And the government was "on right track" and completed its task.

The head of the outgoing caretaker government made the remarks when a delegation of visiting Japan Election Observer team led by its leader Goji Sakamoto made a courtesy call on the Chief Adviser at his office in the morning.

Goji Sakamoto, Member of the House of Representatives of Japan, observed Monday's parliament election was conducted in a very systematic and nice manner.

The voting was "orderly and peaceful", he said and also termed the voters' list systematic.

The Japanese lawmaker appreciated the caretaker government's performance and the leadership of Chief Adviser Fakhruddin for all preparations in holding a fair and peaceful election.

Goji said this was the fourth-time visit of the Japanese election-observer team to Bangladesh and this time they were very impressed and pleased over the election.

Akihiro Nishimura, also Member of the House of Representatives, accompanied Goji as member of the mission.

Goji Sakamoto, chief secretary of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentarians League, said the winning party should take responsibility and work according to the manifesto while the losing party should cooperate.

"All should work together to build a better Bangladesh," he was quoted as saying.

Referring to their visits to many polling centers and talks with voters, he said election was well- maintained and voters were found "delighted and excited towards democracy".

The Japanese observers appreciated the law-and- order situation.

The CA said his government had worked for last two years, carrying out reform of electoral rules and election code of conduct, for holding an election without violence and practice of corruption by ensuring that voters can cast their vote without fear.

"The voters yesterday cast their votes peacefully amid festive mood," he said, adding that this was "one of the highest turnouts of voters so far".

Regarding voter list, the CA said this task is indivisible and the Election Commission with all-out support of the government prepared the voters' lists with photographs of over 80 million within less than a year.

"All our friends at home and abroad remarked it as the remarkable achievement of the caretaker government and Bangladesh should be proud of it," he was quoted as saying to the delegation.

The CA said the presence of the Japan's election- observer team gives an essence to show how strong and excellent friendship exists between the two countries. He hoped that the support of Japan as a big development partner would continue.

The Japanese team leader suggested forming similar Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary League in Bangladesh parliament.

The CA welcomed the suggestion as excellent, saying that the new parliament can take initiative to this end.

CA's press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim briefed newsmen about the meet.