By NNN-BSS
New York : Chief Adviser of Bangladesh caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed has said the next general election in Bangladesh could be held prior to its already announced timeframe of 2008 if the Election Commission completes all process in line with its election roadmap.
“Though preparation of voter list with photographs is a huge task, but we are hopeful that we would be able to complete the gigantic task ahead of holding a free, fair and credible election by the year of 2008,” he said.
The Chief Adviser who is in New York to attend the 62nd UN General Assembly made the comments while US Congressman Joseph Crowley paid a courtesy call on him at his hotel suite here on Sunday.
During the call on, the Chief Adviser discussed different socio- political aspects of Bangladesh as well as various reform measurers undertaken by the caretaker government after assuming office early this year.
Elaborating the government’s reform measures, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed informed the US congressman that different institutional reforms are being carrying out aimed at holding a free, fair and credible election and give democracy an institutional shape so that the common people could derive benefit from it.
He said these reforms would immensely help the next elected government for successfully govern the country.
The Chief Adviser elaborated other measurers undertaken by the government for enhancing efficiency in power sector and curbing corruption.
Replying to a query, he said, the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) is fully independent and working under the existing law of the land.
Joseph Crowley, who is also the co-chairman of Bangladesh caucus in the US congress, appreciated the Bangladesh government’s steps towards holding a free, fair and credible election and other reform programmes.
He lauded the government’s role for checking corruption and bringing corrupt people to justice.
Crowley appreciated Bangladesh government’s steps to infuse dynamism in the Chittagong Port, the life line to the country’s trade and business.
Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Ismat Jahan, among others, were present during the meeting.