Present govt constitutional, moving towards polls, CA tells Butenis

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Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Tuesday said the present caretaker government is constitutional, accountable to the people and is moving towards holding a free, fair and credible election by the end of the next year, reports UNB.
The Chief Adviser (CA) made the remarks when US Ambassador Patricia Butenis made a farewell call on him at his office.
Ahmed told Butenis who leaves Bangladesh next week to take up for her new assignment in Iraq that his government is committed to a transparent process, freedom of press and the rule of law.
"The government is fully focused on extending all necessary support to the Election Commission for holding parliamentary elections by the end of 2008," the CA was quoted by an official of the CA's Office as saying.
Expressing happiness at the people's enthusiasm about the pilot voter-registration project of the Election Commission in Gazipur, Ahmed expressed the hope his government would be able to bring about lasting reforms in various areas of governance, including the civil service, delegation of power, decentralisation and strengthening of the local government system.
Butenis lauded the government for ensuring press freedom, transparency, accessibility and initiating institutional and electoral reforms in the country.
She pointed out that the US government considers Bangladesh to be a key ally in South Asia and looks forward to further expanding bilateral relations for mutual benefit.
The US diplomat thanked the government for the cooperation extended to her during her tenure in Bangladesh.
Thanking the US government for the support and assistance given to Bangladesh over the years, Ahmed express the hope that fraternal relations and development partnership between the two countries would be further reinforced in the days to come.
He wished the envoy's personal wellbeing and success in her next assignment.
Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy Geeta Pasi and Secretary of Chief Adviser's Office Kazi Md Aminul Islam were present.