Govt. firm to hold meaningful elections: Dr Hossain Zillur

DHAKA, Bangladesh, July 17 (BSS)-Commerce Adviser of Bangladesh Caretaker Government Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman today said the government has not bogged down in implementing its resolve to carry forward the nation towards its desired goal through bringing qualitative changes in the country's political culture.

"We have the highest commitment and firmness to implement the
work, we have started, aiming at holding meaningful elections and
transition to real political culture," he said.

The commerce adviser was addressing a joint press briefing
following political dialogue between the Jatiya Ganotantrik Party
(Jagpa) and a panel of advisers. Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin
Ahmed was present at the talks.

President of Jatiya Gonotantric Party Shafiul Alam Pradhan
led a nine-member delegation of his party at the meeting.

When asked about the transit issue, Foreign Adviser Dr
Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury took the floor and unequivocally said
that the government will take all diplomatic steps on the basis
of national expectation.

"The government will not take any decision which may go
against the interest of the country. We will continue to put the
highest priority on our independence and sovereignty," he added.

Replying to a query, the commerce adviser said no concession
will be given to corrupts and the government will remain alert so
that the persons having negative image can not take part in the
coming polls.

He said the government is progressing towards its desired
goal keeping in mind the expectations of the people. The commerce
adviser described the upcoming local government election as a
reflection of people's expectations.

Replying to a question on the release of former Prime
Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said the
matter has to be considered integrating humanitarian and legal
aspects.

Speaking at the press briefing, Shafiul Alam Pradhan said
negotiation on transit can only be started with India when the
issues like Farakka, border disputes and trade gap between the
two countries are resolved.

He demanded of the government to introduce rationing system
for the low-income group people due to price hike of essentials.
He requested the government not to give any concession to the
corrupt people.

Shafiul Alam Pradhan said during the talks his party also
demanded abolishing the caretaker government system, relaxation
of state of emergency, logical distribution of power and fixing
allowance for the freedom fighters at Taka 5,000 per month.

He called upon the government to determine the status of five
national leaders- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Shaheed
President Ziaur Rahman, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, Hossain
Shaheed Suhrawardi and Sher-e-Bangla A K Fazlul Huq.

LGRD Adviser Mohammad Anwarul Iqbal and Law Adviser AF Hassan
Ariff were also present at the briefing.