Polls must as per EC roadmap

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Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding a free, fair, neutral and credible election following the roadmap announced by the Election Commission (EC).

The head of the caretaker government stated it again when the visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs Richard Boucher and Coordinator for Counterterrorism of US State Department Dell L Dailey made a courtesy call on him at his office.

The CA said the EC is doing mainly two tasks — preparing voter list with photographs of about 80 million voters of which major portion has been completed, and carrying out reform of electoral rules “so that money, muscle and misuse of authority do not influence the future elections”.

The EC has already held a series of dialogues with different political parties on reform of electoral rules, which was also a public demand, he told the duo US emissaries.

“Soon the EC will come out with a set of recommendations on reform of electoral rules,” he added.

Referring to various institutional reforms and pragmatic steps in line with public demand as well as for smooth transfer of power, the CA said, “We are fulfilling our commitment.”

He said reform will continue in the future as it is a continuous process.

Boucher said he is glad, as the caretaker government has given a lot of emphasis on future elections. He said reform should go on a wider scale.

Appreciating Bangladesh’s counterterrorism measures, particularly legal procedures, Boucher said his country would like to follow the model of action.

He also said the US wants to see democracy succeed in Bangladesh and definitely supports the country in its effort to strengthen the democracy.

Boucher said his country will be a partner of Bangladesh in the field of development, economy and counterterrorism.

Proposed dialogue between the government and the political parties was also came up in the meeting.

About reform in political parties, the CA said the political parties have to decide on their own.

The CA said Bangladesh values close and friendly relations with the United States and wants to carry it forward, particularly in the field of education, combat terrorism and trade and economy.

Boucher noted that Bangladesh has achieved considerable success in counterterrorism and they were looking forward to working professionally with those who are dealing with terrorism.

He appreciated various Acts formulated by the interim regime, like the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act, to curb terrorism.

The CA said, “Bangladesh takes tough stand both domestically and internationally in dealing with terrorism.”

CA’s Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim briefed newsmen about the outcome of the meeting.

US Ambassador James F Moriarty and Secretary to CA’s Office Kazi Aminul Islam were also present.

Our staff correspondent adds: After talks with Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry yesterday, Boucher said it is important for the US to see Bangladesh hold its elections by the end of the year.

“Domestically, you are on a path to democracy. It is important for us to see the path completed by the end of the year,” he said.

They discussed the caretaker government’s plans to implement its electoral roadmap to ensure the elections by the end of the current year.

“We see a democratically elected government emerge in Bangladesh from next year. But also see the guarantees for democracy that is put in place to continue on a stable basis for the long term,” he added.

Boucher added that institutional reforms undertaken by the government, in bodies such as the Anti-Corruption Commission and the planned Human Rights Commission would guarantee the sustainability of democracy in the country.

“We are here with a broad agenda. The agenda, I think, speaks of the desires and needs of the people of Bangladesh,” he said.

Boucher said the US is ready to assist Bangladesh restore its democracy and push forward economic development.

The US State Department’s Coordinator for Counterterrorism Dell L Dailey accompanied Boucher.

“In addition to democracy and development, one of the main issues for us is denial of space for terrorists,” said Boucher.

Boucher also met Army Chief Gen. Moeen U Ahmed at the army headquarters yesterday.

He is scheduled to meet the Chief Election Commissioner today.

Boucher last came to Bangladesh in late 2006. This is the highest profile visit by a US official since the state of emergency was declared on January 11 of last year.

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