General election before or by Dec '08, CA tells Dennis

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Chief Adviser (CA) Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Thursday reiterated that the next general election would be held before or by December 2008, reports UNB.
He said, the goal of the Caretaker Government (CG) was not only to hold the next general election in a free, fair and credible manner, but also to set up a standard process so that the subsequent and future elections can also take place fairly.
The CA made these remarks when Director for Asia at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office John Dennis made a courtesy call on him at the CA's office.
The British official renewed the UK government's support to the CG, particularly to its various reform programmes as well as activities related to holding election freely, fairly and neutrally in the targeted timeframe.
Mentioning various reform measures and preparation of voter list with photographs, the CA said, he was hopeful that the Election Commission (EC) would be able to accomplish its task as per its roadmap to arrange the election in time.
He also mentioned the EC's dialogue with the political parties on electoral rules and regulations, and hoped that they would take necessary steps.
Referring to the reforms in political parties, Dr Fakhruddin said, democracy did not mean only casting votes or changing government, it was much more than that. There should be a change in the political culture, so that the honest, dedicated and competent persons could come up to contest in elections.
John Dennis appreciated the CA's speeches in the 62nd session of UNGA and in the high-level event on climate change, and Bangladesh's role in global initiative to face the challenge of global warming and climate change. He also stressed Bangladesh-UK cooperation in tackling the climate change.
British High Commissioner in Dhaka, Secretary of CA's Office, and DG (Europe and European Union) of the Foreign Ministry were also present during the meeting.
Meanwhile, the visiting UK high official, before leaving the country, urged the CG, army and the law-enforcement agencies to act impartially with respect for public safety, human rights and media freedom, and in a due process, as a purge was underway in the interim period.
"We recognise that there are challenges, but it is important that nothing is allowed to deflect Bangladesh from its commitment to restore democratic process, and hold elections as per the roadmap," Dennis said at a pre-departure media conference at the British High Commissioner's residence.
John, who held series of meetings with the CA, the CEC, the ACC Chairman and the Army Chief during his tour, reiterated the UK's support for credible elections in Bangladesh.
Asked about his meeting with Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed, Dennis said, he got a clear impression that the army was working all out to help the CG in implementing its plans.
He expressed his encouragement at the progress on voter registration, saying that the UK welcomed the CEC's statement that if the voter list and electoral reforms were completed earlier, then the elections could be brought further forward from December next year.
Asked his opinion about the demand for lifting the state of emergency, Dennis said, the situation had to be the most congenial for a successful election because democracy required political debate.
About setting up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Bangladesh, a new idea up in the air, Dennis said, in many countries such commission was applied, but he did not make his viewpoint about its practical applicability here. This was a matter to be thought of by the people and the government of Bangladesh, he said.
Dennis observed that Bangladesh was striving for democracy that endured. The UK, as a friend of Bangladesh, also shared that same desire. "Sustaining democracy in the longer term is essential for Bangladesh's future development and prosperity."
Asked if the UK was watching whether due process was bring followed, British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury said, "Yes, absolutely, we are following the events and monitoring closely."
But he did not comment on granting bail to the two detained former premiers - Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia - on grounds that the matter was sub-judice.