Iajuddin calls upon army support for free and fair elections

Dhaka, Nov 8 (UNI) Bangladesh President and Chief Advisor Professor Iajuddin Ahmed today sought support of the Armed Forces to ensure free and fair general elections, in an apparent attempt to bolster his own position.

''The Armed Forces must be ready for the sake of the State and the people. I hope you will jointly demonstrate your professionalism for maintaining the democratic process and discharge your responsibility by rising above all controversy,'' he said in an address to senior military officers in Dhaka Cantonment.

About the unrest on the eve of handing over power to caretaker government last month, the President who is also the Commander-in-Chief said the armed forces were on alert for any eventuality.

He said the armed forces had proved their neutrality by exhibiting their professional image, patience and tolerance in unexpected situation.

''The way the members of the armed forces have played a strong role in maintaining peace and discipline in the past earning the confidence of the people, I hope they would maintain this trend in future,'' he said.

The President sought support of the armed forces as some major political parties led by former opposition leader and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina announced nationwide siege from November 12 if the caretaker government fails to remove the Chief Election Commissioner Justice MA Aziz and depoliticized the civil and police administration.

US Ambassador in Bangladesh Patricia Butenis today met Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and called for restraint to make way for free, fair and non-violent general elections.

Mr Ahmed said he had to assume the additional responsibility of the Chief Advisor as the last alternative provided by the Constitution.

He said it is the prime responsibility of the caretaker government to extend all cooperation to the Election Commission under Article 58B (2) to hold peaceful, free and neutral elections within the schedule time.

The President reiterated his caretaker government is committed to discharge its assigned responsibility.

Later, the President held separate meetings with the Chiefs of the three services.

UNI XC MQA VV1551