Bangladesh caretaker chief says elections before 2008 end

Dhaka, Apr 12 (UNI) Bangladesh's military-backed interim government Chief Fakhruddin Ahmed today announced that the stalled Parliamentary elections would be held before the end of next year.

''I would like to say categorically that we will not stay in power for a single day more than needed. My firm conviction is that it would be possible to complete Parliamentary elections before the end of 2008,'' he said.

In a nationwide address over the state-owned radio and television in the evening, Mr Fakhruddin said his government is committed to establishing a sustainable framework to ensure not only the next but all elections in the long run to be free, fair, neutral and free from black money and muscle power.

Mr Fakhruddin, former Governor of Bangladesh Bank and former World Bank Executive, was appointed as the Chief Advisor of the caretaker government on January 12 last, a day after the promulgation of the emergency to quell political violence among major parties that left 67 people dead.

The emergency also postponed the elections set for January 22 for an indefinite period and suspended political activities and some fundamental rights.

The Chief Advisor appeared before the nation for the second time since January 21 to mark the completion of three months in office.

In his 22-minute speech Mr Fakhruddin narrated the reforms so far, brought about to the Election Commission, electoral rules, strengthening Anti-Corruption Commission and steps to ensure separation of the Judiciary from the Executive.

He said full independence has been ensured for the reconstituted Election Commission that has been initiating various reforms to create an atmosphere conducive to free and impartial elections.

''Appropriate steps are being taken to ensure transparency and neutrality of the elections free from any influence by any quarters,'' he said, adding that the Election Commission is considering opinions of different quarters in this respect.

The Chief Advisor said compulsory registration of political parties is a major part of reforms and for this electoral laws are being reformed to ensure transparency of income and expenditure of political parties and practice of democracy with in parties.

He said firm steps will be taken to encourage honest, sincere and competent persons to contest in the elections. Arrangements are being made to prepare voters' list with photographs and national ID cards.

The Chief Advisor reiterated that hardcore accused, bank loan defaulters, terrorists and users of muscle power will be prevented from participating in the polls.

On the current war on corruption, Mr Fakhruddin said the government would show zero tolerance against corrupt people. ''We are firmly committed to free the nation from the dreadful grip of corruption,'' he said.

In the past three months, around 1,59,000 people, including scores of former ministers, members of Parliament and business tycoons, were arrested on charges of corruption, abuse of power and terrorism.

''Our mission is clear. We want to quickly bring the corrupts, abusers of power and other hardened offenders to justice under the law of the land so that the society, country and the people get rid of their black claws,'' he said adding that the government will show zero tolerance in this respect.

UNI