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Download PDF Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said it is not yet possible to give a specific timeframe for elections as reforms are still being carried out for free, fair and credible polls.
He said the government is determined to hold election “as soon as possible” after necessary reforms.
The chief adviser made the remarks responding to queries, proposals and appreciation of government steps by the representatives of various professions and the elite of Chittagong at an exchange of opinion meeting at Chittagong Circuit House in the afternoon.
He categorically said the influence of 3Ms–Money, Muscle and Misuse of authority–in election has to be curbed as much as possible.
His observations came at a time when some political quarters are calling for holding the stalled general election as early as possible.
He noted that the reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC) is part of institutional reform process and the EC will be central point of all activities relating to the elections.
“The Election Commission will carry forward the relevant tasks of electoral process and the government will cooperate,” he told the meeting.
He said the newly appointed chief election commissioner and the election commissioners have undertaken the task of strengthening the Election Commission.
Responding to a suggestion of a speaker, he said like the EC and the Anti-Corruption Commission the government will take steps for reconstitution of some other institutions.
Referring to frequent opinion and suggestions of different organisations and platforms and aspiration of cross-sections of people, he said implementation of reform activities is necessary to ensure honest and competent persons’ participation in election, which will yield good results in flourishing democracy.
The speakers appreciated the government’s initiatives, steps and actions and extended support to it.
Some of them also proposed continuation of this caretaker government as much as needed for reform activities and holding credible elections.
Those took part in the exchange of opinion are Chittagong Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Prof M Badiul Alam, Muktijoddha Commander Abul Kalam Azad, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce President Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Chittagong Club President Kashem Chowdhury, Selim Nazrul of the Organisation for the Disabled, Md Raisuddin, convenor of Cox’s Bazar Salt Mills Association, Ali Abbas, president of Chittagong Press Club, and Manoshi Talukdar of Shilpakala Academy.
Addressing the civil and military officials of Chittagong division at the circuit house earlier in the day, the chief adviser said the nation must be freed from unwarranted situation of social erosion and criminalisation of politics, otherwise the “future generation won’t forgive us.”
He said the government has been working relentlessly to create a level playing field for holding free, fair and neutral elections.
Besides, he said, the present government remains active to fulfil the people’s aspirations in different socioeconomic fields.
Reminding of the vital role of government officials and employees in these fields, the chief adviser said the country will have to move forward to build up a bright future and meet the people’s expectations through united efforts of all.
He said the government’s objective is also to ensure social justice by uprooting or curbing the negative influence on the state and the government. In this regard, he mentioned that the government is taking short-and mid-term steps against corruption and criminalisation.
The CA said the government is active in recovering government property from illegal possession, taking actions against black marketers, stopping terrorism and extortion and ensuring adequate and hassle-free timely supply of fertiliser, seeds and fuel and their transportation.
The chief adviser urged the officials to be more attentive for sustainable improvement of law and order.
On prices of commodities, he said the prices of essentials will have to be kept within the purchasing capacity of the people. “Efficiency has to be increased at every step of production, stocking, supplying and marketing.”
He said the government officials concerned will have to remain alert so that no dishonest groups can manipulate prices of commodities. The market situation will have to be monitored through spot visits and round-the-clock communication maintained at all levels of administration.
The CA said urgent steps will have to be taken in consultation with the parties concerned so that normal trade flow is not hampered. Moreover, effective and timely actions must be taken against identified accused, criminals, smugglers and black marketers, he said.
He added that all possible steps will have to be taken to inject dynamism to advance the economy, as there is no alternative to it.
The chief adviser called for maintaining vigil so that there could be no impediment to the activities of the military and the civil administrations.
On separation of the judiciary, he said the government has already expedited the process of separating the judiciary from the executive to ensure meaningful balance among the three organs of the state-legislative, executive and judiciary.
About politicisation of the administration, the chief adviser said a recent tendency of considering the government party and the administration as the same entity caused obstructions to the flourishing of democratic rule.
On illegal possession of lands, he said a handful of immoral and influential people in collusion with some corrupt officials committed such heinous acts. Such a destructive trend must end, he said and called for quick and effective action against the land grabbers.
The chief adviser, however, told the officials to take care so that hawkers, slum dwellers and innocent poor people do not face any harassment.
About the police reforms, he said the government has already decided to establish 10 police stations as models and if this initiative becomes successful, other police stations will be brought in phases under the scheme.
He said service sectors like education, health, electricity and telecommunications must serve as the public welfare sectors.
The chief adviser said the government officials will have to work for people’s welfare with accountability following the existing reality, information and statistics and transparent process. At the same time, he said the officials must make all-out efforts to break the vicious circle of corruption.
“You must remain alert so that your decisions are not influenced and your actions are not biased,” he said, adding that the government is determined to bring about transparency, neutrality and dynamism in civil administration.
The CA said the officials must carry out their responsibilities by giving priority to national interests. A democratic, developed society could be built on the basis of justice, honesty and equity through concerted efforts of all, he added.
Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Mokhlesur Rahman conducted the meeting.
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