"It is the representatives of the people elected through fair election free from the influence of money and muscle can provide the leadership to steer the nation toward progress," the army chief told the meetings of the officials at Habiganj and Moulvibazar.

He compared present Bangladesh with a derailed train and said the nation needs an efficient administrator to bring it to the right track for ensuring progress and prosperity.

The army chief reminded the officials of the situation under which emergency was declared on January 11. Hartals and blockades had paralysed the nation. Economy was jeopardised. Political chaos and disturbances affected normal life and endangered the security.

He recalled the incidents of fire in garment factories and questioned who were behind it? For whose interest the destructive action was carried out? This has to be found out, he said.

General Moeen said expatriates working abroad have sent billions of taka. Despite that there was hardly any economic progress. It is because a section of people funnelled out the country's wealth in billions.

He said the emergency gave a respite to the people. It has provided an opportunity to the administration to work unitedly with the people. People are happy with the actions of the joint forces in coordination with the administration.

"Time has come to fight against injustices, corruption and terrorism and above all to free politics from the curse of corruption. Nobody is above law. Those who have involved in corruption and injustices will not be spared," assured the army chief.

He told the officials that the opportunity provided by the emergency should be fully availed of to build a sound base for the posterity. "You must carry out your responsibilities with honesty and sincerity."

Political influence and bribe in recruitment in government offices should be stopped once for all. Hartal and blockades that retarded progress should be totally discarded, he added.

Senior army officers, deputy commissioners, police superintendents and senior officials of various departments were present at the meetings. Senior officials apprised General Moeen the situation prevailing in the districts and also exchanged views.

The army chief had also separate meetings with army personnel deployed in the districts.