B'desh govt reassures polls before yearend

Dhaka, Jan 10 (UNI) The caretaker government of Bangladesh has said the general elections will be held before the end of 2008 and there should be no doubt about it.

Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday reassured that his government and the Election Commission would hold free and fair polls before the end of this year.

''The main objective of the government is to hold a free, fair and credible election within the targetted timeframe and the Election Commission is working to this end following its announced roadmap,'' the Daily Star quoted him, as saying.

Referring to trial of war criminals, Dr Ahmed said the present government mainly focussed on reforms and election.

But, political parties could include the issue in their next election manifesto.

Talking about the restrictions under the state of emergency and trial of corruption suspects, he said the government would try to lift restrictions gradually and the suspects were being tried normally under the existing law.

UNI XC SG MSJ KP1326