'Timeframe for general election not possible now'

Dhaka, Feb 28: Disagreeing with political parties' plea for thetimeframe for holding the stalled general elections, Chief Adviser ofBangladesh' interim caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed has saidit is not possible now to give a specific timeframe as reform works areunderway to ensure free, fair and credible polls.

He, however, reiterated that his government is determined to holdelection ''as soon as possible'' after taking steps for the necessaryreforms.

Exchanging views with members of the civil society in southeasterncity of Chittagong yesterday, Ahmed categorically said the influence ofmoney, muscle and misuse of authority in election has to be curbed asmuch as possible.

The general elections originally fixed for January 22 last waspostponed indefinitely following the promulgation of the state ofemergency on January 11 to quell internal political chaos between majorparties over the neutral holding of the elections.

Ahmed, a former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, noted that thereconstitution of the Election Commission is part of institutionalreform process and the Election Commission would be central point ofall activities related to the elections.

He said the newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner and theElection Commissioners have undertaken the task of strengthening theElection Commission.

The caretaker chief said implementation of reform activities isnecessary to ensure honest and competent persons' participation inelection which would bring good outcome in flourishing democracy.

About the issue of modernising the Chittagong port, he said theseaport is a key tool of growth of the national economy and all have tobe united on this matter. ''There is no alternative but to enhance therate of export in ensuring high level of economic growth,'' he said,adding any positive and negative impact of the Chittagong portconsidered country's commercial lifeline--casts impact on economicactivities.

The head of caretaker government said people would have to playtheir part by watching out whether the government is running properly.

Dr Ahmed made it clear that the government would have to take sometough and corrective measures on short-term basis to bring long-termstability in the socioeconomic and political arenas of the country aswell as to establish the real rule of law.

UNI>