Future govt must continue with purge against graft: Moeen
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed Tuesday reaffirmed that the general election would be held by the end of next year and said the future government must continue to manifest their desire to continue with the current drive against corruption, reports UNB.
"Troika came down and asked me the same question. I assured that the election would take place in December 2008. Let me give you the same answer. Wait till 2008 and see," he told a seminar, as a former Awami League lawmaker asked him if the present government would be able to arrange the stalled election by the end of 2008.
About the dos of the next government, General Moeen said, "Whosoever they may be, but it is imperative that the future government, after December 2008, must continue to manifest their desire to continue with current initiatives as I view this threat of corruption as a threat to the nation's security and must be opposed by all conscious citizens."
The Army Chief, whose force is out in aid of the present caretaker regime, made the observations while addressing a seminar titled 'Democratic Accountability and Ways to Fight Corruption'. The function was organised by Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) in collaboration with the American Center at the Radisson Hotel.
Chaired by BIPSS president Maj Gen Muniruzzaman, the seminar on the important policy matter for the interim period was attended by politicians, diplomats and renowned members of the civil society.
Responding to a question about public perception about the role of Army in government, Moeen firmly said, "The caretaker government came in as per the constitution. Let me reassure the military is not getting involved in any of the national matters. Once the decision is taken, we try our level best to execute it. We are not dictating the government in any matter whatsoever."
He also said, "Bangladesh Army did not want to get involved in this because it was not our job. We waited and waited for the political parties to come to a consensus so that we have a free and fair election."
With a reference to the past sociopolitical crisis -- which led to the 1/11 regime change -- the army chief underlined the need for reform and review of the constitution for a fresh start. He said the country needs reform and review of the constitution.
"What we have seen in last 15 years, parliamentary committees have no authority…So it's a big issue. We have to bring changes in the constitution so that these committees have more authority."
To a query about his direction to the government to get out of some dilemmas, Moeen said, "We are still surviving because we have not given that direction. Had we given the direction, then we had been in power. If we done that all the guns would have been pointed at us, and we would have been finished.
In reply to a question about the return of the political leaders who have run the country for last 15 years, Moeen said, "Politicians are coming back to power and taking the reigns of government. Let the people decide…You select your leader the way you want to elect."
He observed that two years are such a short time and it is not possible for the caretaker government to do all the jobs need to be done.
About how much the government could do he said apart from bringing reforms without changing the constitution, the government would hold a free, fair and credible election through which the country gets honest and dedicated leadership.
During the question-answer session, lasting about an hour, the Army Chief said they always have to strike a balance while speaking, as some people smell a rat about their intentions. "But, we have to go along the people."
About the democracy, General Moeen said there had never been real democracy in Bangladesh because democracy is certainly not only having elected government and depriving its people.
On people's representatives, he said, "Our beliefs as citizens were not reciprocated mostly by the people who represented us in the hierarchy of state power. They could not also keep their integrity, honour and judgement in positions of public leadership."
Taking a critical view of the international community, the Army Chief said, "My sad observation is, at times, international leaders are more concerned with having functional elected government in a country without viewing about how that government is dispensing democracy in the country.
"This taught us a lesson that things could not go farther," he said, adding, "While we believe in the representative democracy as an indispensable condition for stability, peace and development of our country, the current process is irreversible and contributes to the process."
Describing the January 11 change as inevitable, unavoidable and formed a part of reinvention of the nation, Moeen said the people accepted it and the international community has seen its logic and provided full support in this arduous endeavour.
Narrating his personal position about the regime change, he said, "My personal position was that I could not stand by while the nation stood on brink with impending uncertainties and violence. I believe that the present condition has provided us with a historic opportunity to serve the nation - a lifetime chance for every patriotic citizen of Bangladesh."
Saying that the Army is deeply committed to establishing a sustainable governance structure to guarantee reforms, Moeen said, "I think availing this opportunity is almost a 'now or never' case in all fields of development to reshape our own destiny and leave a way for our future generation to take charge."
About the state of emergency that has been declared about six months ago, he said he found the people supportive, convinced, determined and reform-oriented, only because they regarded the country first, national values to remain supreme and good ones to be counted more than the odds. "In fact, the people needed an opportunity and they got this opportunity in the beginning of the new millennium."
Moeen said that right from its inception, Bangladesh sought a democratic way of governance with a mechanism of state institutions rather than through dynamics of the civil society.
The situation has been disastrous for Bangladesh, where state resources often form a large part of the economy, he observed. "Whoever controls this revenue stream can afford political godfathering and running chains of crime to stay in power; this fact provides a strong incentive toward undemocratic acquisition and irresponsible use of political power."
About getting rid of corruption, the Army Chief said that curbing corruption and improving economic governance would require strong political will, institutional reforms, high-visibility government support and international partnership.
He said the government is working and needs to continue to work in future in areas like introducing institutional reforms and comprehensive anti-corruption legislation.
Its tasks also include instituting Constitution Commission to prepare all new laws relevant to evolving an effective governance system to meet future challenges along with constitutional mechanisms for horizontal accountability, improving good governance and leadership at all levels, including corporate governance. Building global partnership on curbing corruption and oversight on administration are also among the dos.
About reform of the political parties, General Moeen said, "We should take remedial action by seeking a qualitative reformation within the party system through Election Commission."
"I am happy to share the Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Coordination Committee have initiated cases, convicted corrupt persons, recovered assets, deposited cash with government to the tune of Tk 5.73 billion along with the reforms plan."
Meanwhile, General Moeen U Ahmed dismissed as devoid of fact Awami League president Sheikh Hasina's allegation about military intelligence meddling in the matter of breaking and building political parties.
"She (Hasina) has all the right to speak and we should not also retaliate for what she said, but it is not a fact," he said responding to a question at a seminar on democracy and corruption at Hotel Radisson.
General Moeen noted if reforms come from within themselves, why they are deviating from internal things and looking into another organisation.
The army chief, whose force is engaged in the drive against serious crime and corruption at the call of the present caretaker government, took a critical view of the politicians having paid a blind eye to allegations of pervasive corruption during their reigns.
"It is unfortunate that Bangladesh has been identified as most corrupt country five times in the world. But both the political parties always tried to reject the TIB report. Instead of looking into the problems and TIB's points to find solution, they tried to blame somebody else for it," he said.
The General said he does not want to enter into any debate with politicians as he said they are very much educated in the system and have gone through politics for so many years.
"Troika came down and asked me the same question. I assured that the election would take place in December 2008. Let me give you the same answer. Wait till 2008 and see," he told a seminar, as a former Awami League lawmaker asked him if the present government would be able to arrange the stalled election by the end of 2008.
About the dos of the next government, General Moeen said, "Whosoever they may be, but it is imperative that the future government, after December 2008, must continue to manifest their desire to continue with current initiatives as I view this threat of corruption as a threat to the nation's security and must be opposed by all conscious citizens."
The Army Chief, whose force is out in aid of the present caretaker regime, made the observations while addressing a seminar titled 'Democratic Accountability and Ways to Fight Corruption'. The function was organised by Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) in collaboration with the American Center at the Radisson Hotel.
Chaired by BIPSS president Maj Gen Muniruzzaman, the seminar on the important policy matter for the interim period was attended by politicians, diplomats and renowned members of the civil society.
Responding to a question about public perception about the role of Army in government, Moeen firmly said, "The caretaker government came in as per the constitution. Let me reassure the military is not getting involved in any of the national matters. Once the decision is taken, we try our level best to execute it. We are not dictating the government in any matter whatsoever."
He also said, "Bangladesh Army did not want to get involved in this because it was not our job. We waited and waited for the political parties to come to a consensus so that we have a free and fair election."
With a reference to the past sociopolitical crisis -- which led to the 1/11 regime change -- the army chief underlined the need for reform and review of the constitution for a fresh start. He said the country needs reform and review of the constitution.
"What we have seen in last 15 years, parliamentary committees have no authority…So it's a big issue. We have to bring changes in the constitution so that these committees have more authority."
To a query about his direction to the government to get out of some dilemmas, Moeen said, "We are still surviving because we have not given that direction. Had we given the direction, then we had been in power. If we done that all the guns would have been pointed at us, and we would have been finished.
In reply to a question about the return of the political leaders who have run the country for last 15 years, Moeen said, "Politicians are coming back to power and taking the reigns of government. Let the people decide…You select your leader the way you want to elect."
He observed that two years are such a short time and it is not possible for the caretaker government to do all the jobs need to be done.
About how much the government could do he said apart from bringing reforms without changing the constitution, the government would hold a free, fair and credible election through which the country gets honest and dedicated leadership.
During the question-answer session, lasting about an hour, the Army Chief said they always have to strike a balance while speaking, as some people smell a rat about their intentions. "But, we have to go along the people."
About the democracy, General Moeen said there had never been real democracy in Bangladesh because democracy is certainly not only having elected government and depriving its people.
On people's representatives, he said, "Our beliefs as citizens were not reciprocated mostly by the people who represented us in the hierarchy of state power. They could not also keep their integrity, honour and judgement in positions of public leadership."
Taking a critical view of the international community, the Army Chief said, "My sad observation is, at times, international leaders are more concerned with having functional elected government in a country without viewing about how that government is dispensing democracy in the country.
"This taught us a lesson that things could not go farther," he said, adding, "While we believe in the representative democracy as an indispensable condition for stability, peace and development of our country, the current process is irreversible and contributes to the process."
Describing the January 11 change as inevitable, unavoidable and formed a part of reinvention of the nation, Moeen said the people accepted it and the international community has seen its logic and provided full support in this arduous endeavour.
Narrating his personal position about the regime change, he said, "My personal position was that I could not stand by while the nation stood on brink with impending uncertainties and violence. I believe that the present condition has provided us with a historic opportunity to serve the nation - a lifetime chance for every patriotic citizen of Bangladesh."
Saying that the Army is deeply committed to establishing a sustainable governance structure to guarantee reforms, Moeen said, "I think availing this opportunity is almost a 'now or never' case in all fields of development to reshape our own destiny and leave a way for our future generation to take charge."
About the state of emergency that has been declared about six months ago, he said he found the people supportive, convinced, determined and reform-oriented, only because they regarded the country first, national values to remain supreme and good ones to be counted more than the odds. "In fact, the people needed an opportunity and they got this opportunity in the beginning of the new millennium."
Moeen said that right from its inception, Bangladesh sought a democratic way of governance with a mechanism of state institutions rather than through dynamics of the civil society.
The situation has been disastrous for Bangladesh, where state resources often form a large part of the economy, he observed. "Whoever controls this revenue stream can afford political godfathering and running chains of crime to stay in power; this fact provides a strong incentive toward undemocratic acquisition and irresponsible use of political power."
About getting rid of corruption, the Army Chief said that curbing corruption and improving economic governance would require strong political will, institutional reforms, high-visibility government support and international partnership.
He said the government is working and needs to continue to work in future in areas like introducing institutional reforms and comprehensive anti-corruption legislation.
Its tasks also include instituting Constitution Commission to prepare all new laws relevant to evolving an effective governance system to meet future challenges along with constitutional mechanisms for horizontal accountability, improving good governance and leadership at all levels, including corporate governance. Building global partnership on curbing corruption and oversight on administration are also among the dos.
About reform of the political parties, General Moeen said, "We should take remedial action by seeking a qualitative reformation within the party system through Election Commission."
"I am happy to share the Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Coordination Committee have initiated cases, convicted corrupt persons, recovered assets, deposited cash with government to the tune of Tk 5.73 billion along with the reforms plan."
Meanwhile, General Moeen U Ahmed dismissed as devoid of fact Awami League president Sheikh Hasina's allegation about military intelligence meddling in the matter of breaking and building political parties.
"She (Hasina) has all the right to speak and we should not also retaliate for what she said, but it is not a fact," he said responding to a question at a seminar on democracy and corruption at Hotel Radisson.
General Moeen noted if reforms come from within themselves, why they are deviating from internal things and looking into another organisation.
The army chief, whose force is engaged in the drive against serious crime and corruption at the call of the present caretaker government, took a critical view of the politicians having paid a blind eye to allegations of pervasive corruption during their reigns.
"It is unfortunate that Bangladesh has been identified as most corrupt country five times in the world. But both the political parties always tried to reject the TIB report. Instead of looking into the problems and TIB's points to find solution, they tried to blame somebody else for it," he said.
The General said he does not want to enter into any debate with politicians as he said they are very much educated in the system and have gone through politics for so many years.