By NNN-BSS,
Sunamganj, Bangladesh : Chief Adviser of Bangladesh caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed called upon all to discharge their responsibilities to hold the next general elections in a free, fair and credible manner.
“The next general election must be held in December. It is my firm belief that the government will certainly reach the target of holding the polls in time,” he said while exchanging views with the local elite at Shaheed Abul Hossain auditorium here on Saturday.
Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said the government will ensure such an environment where people can exercise their right of franchise without any fear and intimidation to elect their chosen candidates.
He called upon all to cast their votes in favour of honest and capable candidates in the next general elections saying that electing appropriate candidates is the social responsibility of all citizens.
The Chief Adviser said since taking of the office, the government has been working relentlessly to hold a free fair and credible election in the country.
Referring to the recently held city corporation and municipal polls, he said, the voters came to the polling centres spontaneously to elect their chosen candidates.
“This spontaneous voter turn out will immensely help expedite the process of transition to democracy,” he added.
About preparation of voter list with photograph and national ID cards, he said the huge task has been completed with the concerted efforts of civil and military officials and the whole nation is proud of it.
Regarding holding of the upazila polls, he said, the Election Commission (EC) has achieved remarkable progress to this end.
Besides, the government has put emphasis on strengthening local government bodies to ensure transparency and accountability in its works, he added.
Speaking on the much-talked about Right to Information Act, the Chief Adviser said it is now at the final stage and it will be put forward in the meeting of the council of advisers soon for its approval.
On the government’s ongoing anti-corruption drive, he sought peoples’ active cooperation to carry forward the drive along with creating mass awareness against corruption. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Manik Lal Samaddar also spoke on the occasion.
Besides, peoples from different professions including local public representatives, journalists, lawyers, business leaders, farmers, fish traders, women entrepreneurs and academics also spoke on the occasion.
They raised and number of demands and requested the government to meet their demands as soon as possible for the development of the district.
The demands included repairing of damaged culverts and bridges on the Sumanganj-Sylhet highway, ensuring transparency in leasing out water bodies (Jal Mahal) and formation of separate “Jal Mahal” ( water bodies) Authority.
Responding to their demands, the Chief Adviser put emphasize on integrating the Policy to lease out water body (Jal Mahal) and Fishing policy giving priority on the opinions of local people.
The Chief Adviser directed the ministry concerned to resolve the existing problems while leasing out the water bodies and tender procedures to this end.
In the meeting, he was apprised that there are 45,00 water bodies (Jal Mahal) in Sunamganj district and the government used to lease out these “Jal Mahal” every year among the fish traders for fishing.
Secretary to the Chief Adviser’s Office Kazi M Aminul Islam and high civil and military officials were present. Deputy Commissioner M Saber Hossain gave address of welcome.