The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, who is poised to become Prime Minister following a landslide election victory, said Wednesday that the legality of the present caretaker government would be finally decided in the ninth Parliament.

After making a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, she made the remark responding to a reporter's question regarding her stance over the legality of the outgoing caretaker government, installed through the 1/11 changeover beyond the normal constitutional provision, but by common consent.

She however said it is the norms to maintain the continuity of previous government by a succeeding government.

The PM-in-waiting further said she had already discussed with some constitution experts this matter and a committee comprising legal and constitutional experts is being constituted to this end.

She said MPs would discuss in parliament this legalization matter, including amendments.

During about a one-and-a-half-hour meeting at the CA's office from 3:55 pm, the overall situation of the country and transfer of power were discussed.

The Awami League chief and grand-alliance leader said her meeting with the Chief Adviser was a courtesy call.

"I came to thank the caretaker government for holding a free, fair and credible election," she told the reporters.

Replying to a question about transfer of power, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said it would take place "smoothly, as soon as possible, after completion of some formalities".

Asked about the allegations brought by the chief of a party (BNP) over the just-held election, Fakhruddin said it is the matter of the Election Commission.

Earlier on her arrival at the CA office, Sheikh Hasina was received by the Chief Adviser.

Co-chairman of the election-conducting committee of Awami League HT Imam was also present.