CG needed to save democracy: TH Khan
Eminent jurist TH Khan on Thursday told the Supreme Court that the caretaker government (CG) system should continue for holding free, fair and peaceful elections and further interest of democracy.
Free and fair elections are the fuel of democracy and the CG is necessary to protect the democracy in the country, he said.
He said this while placing his argument as amicus curiae (friend of court) before the Appellate Division during the hearing an appeal challenging the High Court verdict that declared valid the 13th amendment to the constitution.
The 13th amendment was brought to the constitution in 1996 allowing election under caretaker government.
The seven-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque on Thursday held the hearing for fifth day and also adjourned it till March 28.
TH Khan told the Appellate Division that three parliamentary elections were held under caretaker governments which were led by three former chief justices -- Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, Justice Habibur Rahman and Justice Latifur Rahman.
The former chief justices had discharged duties as chief adviser of the CG very successfully and competently, TH Khan said adding that the democracy has not gone due to the elections held under the CG.
After placing argument, he told the newsmen that the CG should remain in force for at least 70 years to establish a civilised democracy in the country.
BNP staging demo near press club
Main opposition BNP on Thursday started a demonstration in front of the National Press Club protesting the government’s alleged propaganda against Ziaur Rahman and his family.
BNP is staging its scheduled demonstration on the main road near the press club instead of Muktangan as they did not get permission.
With BNP Vice Chairman Abdullah Al Noman in the chair, the demonstration started around 3:30pm, disrupting the vehicular movement on the busy road.
9 get Independence Award 2011
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday urged the people to work together to reach the fruits of the nation’s independence to every citizen through attaining economic emancipation.
“The nation that has gained independence and sovereignty through a war can not suffer from poverty and illiteracy,” she said at the Independence Award 2011 distribution ceremony at Osmain Memorial Hall.
Two institutions-Dhaka University (Education) and Bangladesh Police (contribution to liberation war) and seven personalities -Gaus Khan (posthumous for contribution to liberation war), Sanghraj Jyotipal Mahathero (posthumous for contribution to liberation war), Dr Neelima Ibrahim (posthumous for contribution to liberation war), Air Vice Marshal (retd) Abdul Karim Khandaker, Beer Uttam (contribution to liberation war), Nutan Chandra Singho (posthumous for contribution to liberation war), AKM Shamsujjuha (posthumous for contribution to liberation war), and Muhammad Abul Hashem Khan (culture) received the Independence Award, the highest state recognition, from the prime minister.
Each award recipient was given a gold medal, Tk 2 lakh and a certificate. Award recipient Planning Minister Air Vice-Marshal (rted) AK Khandaker also spoke at the function moderated by cabinet Secretary M Abdul Aziz.
Inspector General (IG) of Police Hasan Mahmud Khandaker, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique received Awards on behalf of their respective institutions while family members received the posthumous awards.
Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujibur Rahman led the nation to achieve the independence, but when he started rebuilding the country, the great leader along with the members of his family were killed on August 15, 1975.
Within one year of the liberation, she said Bangabandhu had been able to present the Constitution to the nation and spelt out programmes to make Bangladesh as a self-reliant country in food.
“Bangladesh was progressing towards economic emancipation. But, the defeated force struck again and killed the Father of the Nation and later on, the four national leaders,” she said.
Following the assassinations, Hasina said the anti-liberation forces grabbed the state power, pushing Bangladesh towards backseat.
The prime minister reiterated the government’s strong commitment to completely root out militancy and terrorism from Bangladesh.
Hasina recalled that after a long struggle, democracy was established in 1991, but taking office, BNP became busy to change their own fortune and established a rein of corruption and misrule.
Consequently, she said the regime was forced to quit by the people before ending their tenure. The PM said the Awami League government during its 1996-2001 tenure made Bangladesh a self-reliant country in food, power generation was increased to 4300 MW from 1600 MW, literacy rate increased to 65.5 percent and income from exports was almost double.
Unfortunately, she said BNP-Jamaat alliance came to power again in 2001 and involved in corruption and they amassed huge illegal wealth.
“When we took office in 2009, we found power generation at 3100 MW and literacy rate at some 50 percent. My question is if we can take Bangladesh to a new level in our five years, why BNP-Jamaat could not do it?” the prime minister questioned.
Hasina said BNP-Jamaat could not develop the country as they did not want to do that, because they do not believe in the spirit of 1971 Liberation War.
Drawing attention of her ministers and party workers, the prime minister said at any cost, people’s expectations from the government must be implemented.
“Always we have to work with a sense of sacrifice. It is not important what we are getting, rather, our aim would be what we are being able to give to the people,” she said.
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