By NNN-BSS
New York : Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Caretaker Government Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed Friday expressed his country’s readiness to work with the international community to fight against global problems of terrorism.
Addressing a function, organized by the Asia Society here, the Chief Adviser said no country is immune from the threat of terrorism and militancy. “We must join our hands together to root out this curse,” he added.
Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said, “We categorically reject those who use the name of Islam to unleash terror, whether at home or abroad.”
In Bangladesh, he said, the perpetrators of terror and those who back them have been and will be pursued. He said a significant number of extremists have already been handed down punishments and others are facing trial.
In this context, he said a fully functioning democracy could act as a useful deterrent to activities inimical to the state and society.
He said in the past Bangladesh succeeded in its population control programmes by utilizing the Imams of the mosques to help spread awareness of family planning. A similar strategy may be undertaken to tackle militancy as well, he added.
Dwelling at length achievements of Bangladesh in social sectors, Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said the country has significantly reduced infant mortality and the school drop-out rate.
Women’s empowerment, girls’ education, safe-drinking water and sanitation
coverage have substantially improved, he added.
The Chief Adviser said his country is also on track to implement some of the crucial MDGs. Poverty alleviation remains the most daunting challenge facing our nation, he said and added: “We have achieved worldwide fame for homegrown, innovative solutions such as microcredit and Grameen Bank.”
He said, “Our efforts are hindered by natural calamities such as floods, cyclones and droughts. Rising sea levels already have ominous effects on our coastal areas.”
The Chief Adviser said last month Bangladesh experienced severe floods in which more that 10 million people were affected.
A massive rehabilitation and reconstruction phase has now begun, he said and added: “We are coordinating with our development partners to address the issue of additional resource mobilization.”
Referring to the situation that led to the promulgation of a State of Emergency on January 11, Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said “Democracy is not just about elections and installing governments after pre-determined intervals. It is about empowering people and
ensuring their rights, such as the right to choose their representatives without fear or intimidation.”
He said the caretaker government is a transitional one, but is committed to utilizing all its resources to strengthen Bangladesh’s democracy. He hoped that the next elected government would continue with these efforts towards sustaining and strengthening democracy in Bangladesh.
The Chief Adviser said the country had plunged into a deep abyss of political chaos and confrontation before the promulgation of emergency. Widespread frustration with the status quo led to a rising tide of political violence, which in turn disrupted ordinary life and shattered all public confidence in the possibility of a credible election, he said.
Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed listed a number of steps that his caretaker government has undertaken in rebuilding trust and restoring confidence in public institutions.
The Chief Adviser said, “We remained focused on our main task of holding a free and fair election within the shortest possible time and could not avoid the responsibility of ensuring that such an election was meaningful and repeatable.”
He said the caretaker government since assumption of office had to re-energize and strengthen institutions which form the core of democratic governance. It first focused on the Election Commission (EC) itself, which was mired in all sorts of controversy ranging from incompetence to political bias and corrupt practices, he added.
The EC, the Chief Adviser said, is now fully functional and pursuing measures. He expressed the confidence that it will yield positive results in the next general election scheduled to be held by the end of 2008. It has already announced a complete roadmap towards that end, and the caretaker government will do everything in its power to ensure that this goal is achieved, he said.
He said the EC has also initiated an electoral reform process
involving all major political parties, which is expected to go a long way to ensuring a sustainable political culture free from the influence of black money and brute muscle.
Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said his government considered it an utmost priority to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to enable it to root out corruption. “We now have an adequately empowered ACC with resources and personnel at its disposal of tackling this problem effectively,” he said.
Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said Bangladesh will soon have the first-ever National Human Rights Commission. An independent and powerful National Human Rights Commission can serve as an
important domestic watchdog against possible violations of rights, providing instant protection and remedial measures and prompting systemic corrections and reforms, he said.
The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh is blessed with a vibrant civil society, including perhaps the most dynamic NGO community in the developing world along with a highly energetic press. This
facilitates are an open exchange of ideas and opinions throughout
the country, he said.
He said those, who stand to lose most from the success of the reform agenda, will rally behind any opportunity to hinder such reforms. The caretaker government dealt with the situation with
firm resolve and great restraint, he said.
Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said his government is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring basic social amenities such as a stable price-level for our people.
Using words of praises for Asia Society, he said since its founding in 1956, it has made great contribution to promote a better understanding of Asia, its history, culture and politics.
Vishakha N. Desai, President of Asia Society, chaired the function, while Courtney Sale Ross, trustee of the society, introduced the Chief Adviser to the audience.
Later, the Chief Adviser participated in a lively question- answer session where he replied to various questions from the audience, mostly from expatriate Bangladeshis, on socio-political aspects of Bangladesh and other issues relating to governance.