The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reduction of essentials’ prices, poverty eradication priorities: Hasina seeks cooperation of all, vows to present new political culture

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina addressing a
press conference at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference
Centre in the city on Wednesday. Focus Bangla

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) president Sheikh Hasina yesterday called upon the people of all walks of life to work together to implement the vision-2021 and to eradicate poverty terming it the major enemy of the countrymen.

She also vowed to turn Bangladesh into a prosperous, peaceful, modern and information technology based digital country in the South Asia and also ensure rule of law and good governance in the country.

Hasina made this remark while addressing her first press conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center after achieving landslide victory in the December 29 parliamentary election.

Hasina also pledged to punish the war criminals under the legal framework and form South Asian regional task force to address terrorism.

Describing poverty as the key problem of the country, she said it will be our prime duty to eradicate it from the country." We must have to control the price spiral of daily commodities for improving the standard of life of the people. For this we will have to work hard and dedicate ourselves to the task of building sonar Bangla in the spirit of the liberation war" she noted.

She regretted that though 38 years have elapsed since the independence of the country the people are yet to enjoy the fruits of independence. The real freedom will achieved when we would be able to stamp out poverty, ensure rule of law, good governance, human rights and implement the dream of 30 lakhs martyred for Sonar Bangla, she said.

Replying to question, she saind "We do not believe in politics of revenge. We want to give up the politics of violence. We want to present the nation a a political culture of new dimension."

Hasina sought support of the opposition parties to conduct the affairs of the state properly saying that the opposition parties have also to play important role in running the country. " AL will never treat them on the basis of quantity rather on the basis of quality. Their positive and constructive criticism and advice would make the parliament effective," she added.

She also promised to select the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of standing committee of different ministries from the opposition parties proportionate of seats the they have won in the election.

The AL chief thanked the young voters for helping her party to win victory in the just concluded election noting that the youths are the future leader of the country.

She expressed the hope that the youth will play pioneering role for achieving economic freedom of the people, upholding the democratic political spirit and to making a prosperous and educated Bangladesh.

Hasina expressed her gratitude to the people who participated in the polls. " We also respect the people who took part in the election but did not vote for us in the Monday's election, she said.

She thanked the people of different professions such as teachers, doctors, economists, political scientists, engineers and journalists for their contribution in holding the elections in free and fair manner.

Hasina expressed gratitude to the Caretaker Government and the Election Commission (EC) for presenting such a fair and non-partial election to the nation.

She thanked the army for providing support to the EC for preparing an authentic voter list and ID cards with photos, which was a prerequisite for holding a fair election.

She thanked the police force, law enforcement agencies and administrative officers for maintaining the law and order before the elections.

Her thanks also went to the international community for helping the Caretaker Government and the EC for holding the parliamentary elections in a fair manner.

The women of the country also came in for her lavish praise at the press conference for electing her party to power and vowed to uphold their dignity.

Hasina urged the party leaders and activists to be refrain from any violence saying in the past we were the victims of brutal attacks. Now that we have achieved victory we must shun the path of retaliation, she said.

She said in clear terms that they will not abuse power but serve the people Sincerely

To a question question about the rejection of the election results by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, she said, "Khaleda should accept the people's verdict."

Asked whether she would offer greetings to her arch political rival Khaleda Zia Hasina said, " if I send greetings to her she might take otherwise, but I am offering my greetings to her through media."

Replying to another question of an allegation of using the soil of Bangladesh by the militants and terrorists against India, she said, "Bangladesh's soil can never be used by any terrorist outfits against any country. While in power (1996-2001) we took a strong position against terrorism and we will maintain that. We want to see Bangladesh as a peaceful nation in South Asia."

Asked if she would play any role in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan, Hasina said the two next-door neighbors should have good relationship and all countries in South Asia should make joint efforts to alleviate poverty and people's sufferings.

Hasina said, "I will take initiative, if necessary. Bangladesh is a small country. I will try my best to restore peace and friendly relations-that's our main aim."

In reply to a question Hasina sought the release of Myanmar's democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, from prolonged internment and friendly relations with all neighboring countries.

"I had also been in prison for restoration of democracy in my country and she should not be in prison. We demand release of Suu Kyi," she said.

Hasina in an unambiguous term that her government would maintain friendly relations with China, the present world's fastest-growing economic power house, and seek Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

Welcome 2009

Adieu 2008 - Sharif Khan

DU Correspondent

The nation and elsewhere of the world celebrates the English New Year amid gaiety and with new hopes and anticipations. The people of the country celebrated the upcoming 'New Year', mostly popular to urban young people, with different programmes and festivities amid tight security to prevent any untoward incident.

When the clock strike at 12 midnight, thousands of passionate young joined the celebrations to greet the year 2009-this time at an important juncture in national life for the democratic transition underway.

The revellers arranged parties in clubs and hotels as well as at homes. Different organisations in the diplomatic enclaves of Baridhara, Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi and Dhaka University will hold programmes to welcome the New Year.

They sent SMS over mobile phone and exchange greetings with wishes for a prosperous and happy new year.

Besides, youngsters celebrated the 31st night amid tight security with huge enthusiasm in the capital and elsewhere of the country. Young men and women came out on the streets in hordes to have fun.

Amid tightened security, different posh hotels arranged some programmes featuring concerts, fashion show, dance show, choreography and raffle draw early hours of January 1.

President Prof Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed issued congratulatory messages to the nation marking the day.

Awami League president and Prime Minster-hopeful Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in separate message also greeted the countrymen on the occasion.

In his message Dr Iajuddin Ahmed said the celebration of the English New Year is closely related to national culture in the country.

Wishing that the New Year might bring progress and prosperity in everyone's personal family and national life he said, "As we often use English calendar in our daily life, it influences us a lot."

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said, "I hope the New Year may bring immense happiness, peace and success in everybody's life, leaving the old and worn-out, failure and fatigue behind."

He also hoped the door of enormous potential of Bangladesh would be opened up and a golden future created by the united efforts of all irrespective of party and opinion.

Over 3,000 police personnel had been put on overnight duty in the capital early night to look on as revellers celebrate the 31st night up to sunrise on the New Year Day. Besides, plainclothes police of Detective Branch also deployed in the city.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Naim Ahmed Wednesday said the law-enforcers wouldn't prevent celebration if it doesn't impede normal life of the commoners.

Foreign observers term elections fair, credible

EU chief election observer Alexander Graf Lambsdorff
speaking at a press conference at Hotel Sheraton to release
its preliminary report on election on Wednesday. NN
photo

Staff Reporter

The international election observers are unanimous in their view that the December 29 parliamentary election, which heralded Bangladesh's return to democracy after two years of military-backed rule, was fair and credible one. The voting was the most peaceful and spontaneous in decades, observers said at different press conferences in the city yesterday and urged the opposition to accept the results.

In Monday's election, the grand alliance led by Awami League won a landslide victory, capturing 262 of 299 seats. The coalition led by BNP won only 32 seats.

Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh parliamentary elections did not find any evidence to justify BNP's claim that the election was held under a "blueprint".

"We don't have any evidence of election engineering; I believe that other national and international observers also did not find such evidence," Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group Cassem Uteem said.

Responding to a question, Uteem hoped that the opposition in the new parliament would play their democratic role for the welfare of the society with constructive criticism.

He stated that the elections had been credible, meeting many of the key benchmarks for democratic elections, and represented a crucial step in the continuing effort to strengthen democracy and improve governance in the country.

Head of the EU observer mission Alexander Lambsdorff praised Bangladesh's general elections as "correct and professional."

"The high turn out and the up to now peaceful conduct raise hopes that a return to democracy is possible in Bangladesh," he said.

Now it was important that the new government led by the Awami League of Sheikh Hasina operated with a "sense of proportion," Lambsdorff said.

Furthermore, the opposition had to accept the election outcome, said the German member of the European Parliament, he added.

Lambsdorff further said Khaleda Zia's remarks of vote rigging had been "regrettable."

The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, India and other friendly nations of Bangladesh also welcomed the successful polls.

"All Bangladeshis can take great pride in the success of these elections," said a State Department statement. "The high voter turnout underscores the people's desire to see democracy restored as well to have a voice in their future.

Britain said Bangladeshi people could be proud of holding the ninth parliamentary polls in a "free, fair and peaceful" way.

In a statement, the UK's secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs David Miliband also urged the ruling party and the opposition to work together for nation building, shunning politics of confrontation and violence.

About allegations of "unprecedented rigging" by BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, mission chief of the Washington-based National Democratic Institute (NDI) said, "We have had discussions with other observers and it was an unanimous decision that the election was free and fair."

"The (election) process appears to have yielded a result that accurately reflects the will of Bangladeshi voters," said Constance Berry Newman, the head of a 65-person delegation from the International Republican Institute, a Washington-based group that promotes democracy.

Newman said, "Political parties, candidates and citizens should accept the results and work together for a peaceful transition of power."

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) said the election was conducted with credibility and they do not believe some isolated breaches of electoral laws affected the overall poll process.

"Our observers have reported some isolated breaches of electoral laws, but we don't believe these incidents affected the overall election process," said ANFREL head of mission Damaso Magbual.

The Election Commission fostered a peaceful and inclusive election environment, which attracted a strong and enthusiastic voter turnout, ANFREL said.

Bangladesh lose to Sri Lanka

Md Sabbir Hossain

Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka by 107 runs on the last and final day of the first Test of the Grameenphone Test Series at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.

Deciding to bat first, Sri Lanka notched up 293 in the first innings on the second day (Saturday).

In reply, Bangladesh scored 178 in the first innings on the third day.

Later, Sri Lanka made 291 for the loss of four wickets at the close of the third day's play (Sunday).

The fourth day's game was not held on Monday due to national parliament elections.

Sri Lanka resumed their second innings on Tuesday and piled up 405 for the loss of six wickets and then they set a target of 521 runs to win for Bangladesh in the second innings.

Needing 521 runs to win, Bangladesh scored 254 for the loss of five wickets before the two umpires drew the bails for the fourth day.

Skipper Mohammad Ashraful (70) and Shakib Al Hasan (34) resumed their second innings and Mohammad Ashraful knocked a superb 101 off 193 balls. Ashraful hit 16 fours in his 209-minute innings before he was trapped lbw by Chaminda Vaas. At that time Bangladesh's score was 292 for the loss of six wickets. Ashraful hit his fifth Test century playing 47 Test matches.

Ashraful fulfilled his century using 182 deliveries.

After departure of Ashraful, Shakib Al Hasan and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim contributed together 111 runs for the seventh wicket stand before Shakib Al Hasan was the victim of nervous ninety's. Shakib was bowled by medium pacer Dhamikka Prasad making 96 when the team's total was 403 for the loss of seven wickets. Shakib faced 212 balls in his 287-minute innings, which was decorated with seven strokes across the ropes.

Shakib was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round performance.

Shakib scored 122 (26+96) runs and captured 6 (5+1) wickets.

After dismissal of Shakib, the tailender batsmen of Bangladesh failed to face the Lankan bowling attack. Thus, Bangladesh were all out for 413. It was Bangladesh's highest score in the second innings in their Test campaign so far.

Mushfiqur Rahim hit 61 off 111 balls amid seven fours.

Muttiah Muralitharan bagged four wickets conceding 141 runs while Dhamikka Prasad got three wickets for 105 runs.

Possibility of deferring UZ poll ruled out

Staff Reporter

Election Commission (EC) has ruled out any possibility of deferring upazila polls considering the changed political situation. Talking to reporters, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain yesterday said the Commission confidently goes ahead preparing to hold the upazila elections on schedule.

"The forthcoming upazila elections will be held as per the schedule declared by the Commission on January 22 as the date for voting," he said adding, the date for upazila election is already fixed and there is no scope for changing it.

Asked whether the Commission would defer the polls if the incoming government led by Awami League requests, he said the Commission might not consider such request.

Sakhawat Hossain justified that the Commission had changed the schedule for parliamentary elections several times to ensure participation of all political parties but this should not be necessary in the upazila polls.

He, however, said that the local government would conduct the upazila polls according to the direction of the Commission.

"We'll only give direction in this regard," he said.

Replying to a question, he said the symbol allocation for the candidates contesting the upazila elections would be started from today. Yesterday was the last day for withdrawal of candidature.

"After withdrawal of the candidatures, the election symbols will be locally given from tomorrow (Thursday)," he said.

About the ninth parliamentary elections, the Election Commissioner said the voters exercised their franchise in a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere.

A total of 8,896 candidates have applied to contest the local polls in 481 upazilas for chairman, vice- chairman and female chairman posts.

BNP complains of attacks on its workers countrywide

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) yesterday alleged that leaders and activists of the Awami League were attacking on BNP activists across the country.

BNP Office Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the allegation while briefing reporters after a meeting of the senior party leaders at Banani office with party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in the chair. He reiterated that parliamentary elections were manipulated in most of the constituencies.

Accusing the Election Commission of playing a mysterious role during the counting of results he said none was allowed in the room from where the fax copies of the results were being taken.

The BNP leader said the AL activists occupied the BNP office at Ward No. 92 in the city.

He also alleged that the AL leaders and activists attacked BNP activists in different districts including, Manikganj, Narshingdi, Bhola, Comilla, Noakhali and Kishoreganj.

Earlier, Begum Zia consoled BNP activists Khokon and Zakir, who were injured in the attack of the AL activists at Mirpur in the city, when they met her.

The BNP meeting was attended, among others, by M Saifur Rahman, Khandaker Delwar Hossain, Dr RA Ghani, Chowdhury Tanveer Ahmed Siddiqui, Khandaker Mahbub Uddin, Lt Gen (Retd) Mahbubur Rahman, Salahuddin Kader Chowdhury, Selima Rahman and Mirza Abbas.