PM wants army’s effective role in holding fair polls

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Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has expressed her conviction that members of the armed forces will play their effective role in holding the forthcoming national election in a free, fair and neutral manner, as they did in the past.

“As per constitutional provision, a caretaker government will take over on expiry of our tenure in October this year and make arrangements for holding a free and fair election,” she said while addressing a darbar of army, navy and air force at Chittagong Cantonment yesterday.

The prime minister said members of the armed forces not only participate in war but also cooperate with the civil administration during crisis time…they are also taking part in maintaining peace and in restoration of democracy in different countries.

She said the government is also implementing “Vision 2020″ programme to make the armed forces time-befitting to meet the demand of the new century in the rapidly changing world.

The prime minister appreciated various roles and activities of the armed forces apart from their professional duties.

She said the members of the armed forces have been acclaimed everywhere in the world for successfully performing their duties in UN peacekeeping missions. She prayed for the six soldiers of Bangladesh Army who died in a road accident in Ivory Coast recently.

Presently, she said, the number of Bangladeshi peacekeepers has been increased to 16,000 from 10,000the highest contribution to the UN peacekeeping mission.

Chiefs of the three services, area commanders and senior civil and military officials were present at the function.

RALLY AT BANSHKHALI
Addressing a public meeting at Banshkhali Ideal School ground in the afternoon, the prime minister categorically said the chief advisor to the next caretaker government will be appointed as per constitution to hold elections.

“Elections will be held in accordance with the constitution and the chief advisor will assume office as per constitution. It does not matter who accepts it or who doesn’t,” she told the rally.

Khaleda, also the chairperson of the ruling BNP, said her government had introduced the provision of nonparty caretaker government in the constitution, responding to the opposition’s demand in 1996. As per the provision, the immediate retired chief justice will become the chief advisor and he will constitute the caretaker government with 10 advisors.

The prime minister said the Election Commission (EC) is performing its function properly, but the opposition is not cooperating with it and obstructing its assigned function.

Turning down the opposition’s demand for appointment of a new CEC in consultation with all parties, she said the Awami League (AL) had appointed its own man as CEC before the last election, but could not win. It is now clear that the EC cannot rig elections.

“We want free and fair elections, and an appropriate voter list is needed for holding fair polls,” Khaleda told her audience.

The prime minister said the present democratic process will continue and none can stop it. If the opposition does not return to the correct path by shunning confrontation, they will further be isolated from the people, she cautioned.

Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated Tolia Bridge over the Shankha River, laid the foundation stones of Banshkhali Municipality building, new academy building of Banshkhali Alwal Degree College, academy building of Banskhali Ideal High School and Banshkhali digital exchange.

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