US envoy for lifting ban on politics
Monday, 13 August 2007
United States (US) Charge d' Affaires Geeta Pasi has again stressed that the ban on politics be lifted as soon as possible making paving the way for dialogue to build a new political system, reports UNB.
"Politicians must be part of the reform dialogue. This does not mean that the knowledge and expertise of those in the military sector cannot be brought to bear on the reform dialogue." She made the remarks at a workshop on 'Democracy, Governance and Security Reforms" at a city hotel Sunday.
Pasi said the 'State of Emergency' has provided Bangladeshis an opportunity to rewrite their political future.
She said the US has lent support to the civilian caretaker government (CG) and the military in efforts to combat corruption and rebuild political institutions that will sustain and support democracy.
"This opportunity brings sobering responsibilities for both the civilian and military leadership to fulfill their roles to the best of their ability, respecting the distinctions between them," the envoy said.
Pasi said the US supports the CG's goal of conducting free, fair and fully participatory elections by the end of 2008 and the restoration of a democratic system.
"We support electoral reform, including the development of an improved voter list and the laying out of a roadmap that leads to free, fair and credible elections by the end of 2008. We are prepared to expand our assistance to Bangladesh in this regard."
She expressed the hope that the CG and military will address the duties and challenges that lay before them during this unique period in Bangladesh's history.
The US envoy said Bangladesh has entered an unprecedented period of reform since January 11. As Bangladeshis seek to determine a path for this country that is free of corruption, violence, and political feuding, the foundation that will be laid during this interim period is crucial.
"The foundation must support the finished structure-if it is built with democratic principles and respect for human rights at its core, then freedom, productivity and stability can flourish," she said, adding, "But…if the foundation is laid with elements that are themselves undemocratic, the future of the democratic system itself will be jeopardised."
In a democracy, Pasi said the role of the security sector is vital to ensure that sovereignty and public safety are preserved and that law and order are respected.
"Politicians must be part of the reform dialogue. This does not mean that the knowledge and expertise of those in the military sector cannot be brought to bear on the reform dialogue." She made the remarks at a workshop on 'Democracy, Governance and Security Reforms" at a city hotel Sunday.
Pasi said the 'State of Emergency' has provided Bangladeshis an opportunity to rewrite their political future.
She said the US has lent support to the civilian caretaker government (CG) and the military in efforts to combat corruption and rebuild political institutions that will sustain and support democracy.
"This opportunity brings sobering responsibilities for both the civilian and military leadership to fulfill their roles to the best of their ability, respecting the distinctions between them," the envoy said.
Pasi said the US supports the CG's goal of conducting free, fair and fully participatory elections by the end of 2008 and the restoration of a democratic system.
"We support electoral reform, including the development of an improved voter list and the laying out of a roadmap that leads to free, fair and credible elections by the end of 2008. We are prepared to expand our assistance to Bangladesh in this regard."
She expressed the hope that the CG and military will address the duties and challenges that lay before them during this unique period in Bangladesh's history.
The US envoy said Bangladesh has entered an unprecedented period of reform since January 11. As Bangladeshis seek to determine a path for this country that is free of corruption, violence, and political feuding, the foundation that will be laid during this interim period is crucial.
"The foundation must support the finished structure-if it is built with democratic principles and respect for human rights at its core, then freedom, productivity and stability can flourish," she said, adding, "But…if the foundation is laid with elements that are themselves undemocratic, the future of the democratic system itself will be jeopardised."
In a democracy, Pasi said the role of the security sector is vital to ensure that sovereignty and public safety are preserved and that law and order are respected.