President assumes charge of caretaker government

Dhaka, Oct 29 (UNI) Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed today took over as Chief Advisor of a non-party caretaker government as major political parties failed to reach a consensus on an agreeable name for the post.

The President was administered oath of office by Chief Justice Syed Mudassir Husain at the President House at 2000 hrs local time after he failed to break the political stalemate through dialogue to find an acceptable person as Chief Advisor (interim Prime Minister).

Dr Ahmed assumed the responsibilities under Article 58C (6) of the Bangladesh Constitution after Prime Minister Khaleda Zia demitted office on completion of her five-year rule since October 2001.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by foreign diplomats, political party leaders, high civil and military officials.

The interim caretaker government will ensure general elections in free and fair manner within the next 90 days.

Mainstream Opposition, led by Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, opposed the President's assuming the additional responsibility by ''violating'' the Constitutional provisions.

They vowed to continue their current siege against the caretaker government headed by the President on the plea that general elections slated for next January will be biased under his administration as he was nominated by the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The dramatic development in the country's politics took place as former Chief Justice K M Hasan, who was to take the responsibility under the Constitution, expressed his unwillingness to take charge in the wake of the Opposition's violent protests that left 25 people and several thousands wounded.

The Opposition also rejected Justice Hasan on the allegation that his loyalty lay with former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's BNP.

Army sources said troops were kept ready to be deployed across the country to control the turbulent political situation caused by the Opposition's siege and agitation that crippled normal life for the last three days.

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