Martial law is not an option -B'desh Army Chief

Dhaka, May 23 (UNI) Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff Lt General Moeen U Ahmed today said the army, now working in aid of the civil administration in the interim period, would not opt for martial law in the country.

Exchanging views with editors of national dailies at the army headquarters, Gen Moeen said the present army is very much professional. In the past, there might have been mistakes, but that wouldn't happen in future.

He also made it clear that he has no intention to join politics even after his retirement. He would rather spend his time writing books. He reiterated that the army is in no way involved in politics.

Bangladesh, since independence in 1971, came under military rule for 16 years in two phases - first with the assassination of the country's founding leader and first President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a military coup in August 1975 and secondly with the assassination of President Gen Ziaur Rahman in a mutiny in Chittagong in May 1981.

The speculations about military takeover again came to limelight with the promulgation of the state of emergency on January 11 this year. The emergency was called to quell pre-election political turmoil in Bangladesh.

The interim government headed by chief advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed declared that stalled parliamentary elections will be held before the end of 2008.

"Holding the elections is the main target of this government--and all initiatives are geared to that direction," the army chief was quoted as telling the editors.

He recalled the political turmoil in the recent past that had spoiled the atmosphere in the country. He hoped that such situation would not recur.

The army chief said they would continue to support the caretaker government's anti-graft drive with "zero tolerance" against the corrupt. He said the army is subservient to the incumbent caretaker government.

He said since the present government is nonpolitical, the media are the bridge between the government and the people. "We do believe in freedom of speech," he said.

On the issue of insurgency, he categorically said that the soil of Bangladesh would not be allowed to be used by any insurgent group against any of its neighbours.

UNI