'B'desh has to construct own brand of democracy': Army Chief

Dhaka, Apr 2 (UNI) Bangladesh Army Chief Lt Gen Moeen U Ahmed today asked the people of the country to decide whether they needed a new platform to lead them against the backdrop of political failure of the two ruling parties-- BNP and Awami League, who ruled the country for 15 years.

To a poser if he would float a new party, he said, ''I am not the right person to answer. Rather the people of Bangladesh will decide whether they need a new platform to lead them.'' The Army Chief was speaking at a conference titled ''Rethinking Political Development: Security and Democracy'' organised by Bangladesh Political Science Association at the Sheraton Hotel.

Replying to another query about indigenous brand of democracy, the Chief of Army Staff spoke in favour of delegating more powers to the President and giving equal powers to the Ministers for carrying out their functions efficiently.

''The nation must not look at the parties. They (politicians) only gather things for their own good, not for the people.'' said General Moeen, whose force is in operation in aid to the present nonpolitical caretaker government that has launched a countrywide purge against crime and corruption.

About the timeframe for holding the stalled elections, he categorically said the timeframe for the polls was based on events, not on time itself.

''It is up to the Election Commission to determine how much time is needed to rewrite the rules. All the events should lead to an ultimate goal of a free and fair election,'' he added.

Underscoring the need of defining a new vision of freedom, peace, dignity and justice for the people, he said, ''While the governance through a caretaker system is a very apolitical idea, yet we have to accept the reality in view of the poor governance and corrosive corruption that almost destroyed the fabric of our society.

He made it clear that the country had chosen its freedom by its own free choice--and its history of 36 years reflected that it had been successful in dealing with any unholy alliance against its citizens.

Detailing some of the country's achievements in many sectors, he noted that had corruption not been a persistent factor, the full economic potential of the country could have been realised at a much faster rate. And its benefits could be dispersed widely and more evenly throughout the population rather than to a corrupt and-favoured few.

''Bangladesh will try to promote a democratic system tolerant of other governing systems prevailing in the region, with no hostile intent or purpose,'' the Army Chief said, terming Bangladesh a ''model of a progressive and tolerant South Asian State''.

On terrorism, he said, ''I emphatically express this to be a fortress country against any wave of terrorism on the southern hemisphere.'' Saying that Bangladesh is aware and prepared for the challenges posed by security concerns facing the region, General Moeen said the issue of security and democracy were inextricably linked.

In the same way democratic reforms are dependent on sustained economic growth, security is similarly dependent on reformed agenda, he added.

''Democracy itself requires a secure environment for it to thrive and spread its roots.'' The day-long meet was inaugurated by President Iajuddin Ahmed.

The meet was attended, among others, by Advisers of the interim government, political leaders from all major parties, foreign diplomats, and political scientists from home and abroad.

UNI