Cast votes judiciously

Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday urged the people to cast their votes judiciously in local body and national elections, and elect honest and dedicated candidates to fulfill the nation's aspirations for a strong and sustainable democracy.
"It's imperative to elect such capable and honest people who can be the genuine public representatives to drive the nation to its desired goals," he said.
The head of the caretaker government made the remarks at a largely attended opinion-exchange meeting of government officials, professionals and common people from Mymensingh, Sherpur, Netrakona, Kishoreganj and Jamalpur at the local stadium.
Around 2,500 people, including elected local government representatives, teachers, farmers, businessmen, journalists and NGO representatives were present at the meeting.
The district administration organised the meeting conducted by Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Ikram Ahmed.
Home Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin, LGRD and Cooperatives Adviser M Anwarul Iqbal and representatives from different professions addressed the meeting.
Home Adviser MA Matin was assigned to gather information about problems and prospects of Kishoreganj and Netrakona districts while M Anwarul Iqbal of Jamalpur and Sherpur districts.
The CA in his introductory remarks said the government and the Election Commission are taking all necessary steps and preparations for holding free, fair transparent and credible elections both at the local and national levels.
Referring to the EC's move to hold local government polls, including elections to the city corporations, the CA said holding of elections to the city corporations will perhaps be the first polls under the present government.
Appreciating the people for their cooperation in preparing the voter list with photographs, he said, "An unprecedented response was received from the people to the ongoing voter listing work."
He hoped that the voter listing would be completed very quickly.
Quoting the Election Commission, the CA informed the meeting that inclusion of half of the total eligible voters in the list would be completed within this (February) month.
Referring to dialogue between the EC and political parties, he said, "On completion of the series of dialogues, everything about the electoral reforms will be made public."
About local government system, the CA said the government has decided in principle to strengthen the local government system and is working to that end to consolidate the foundation of democracy.
He also assured that the government is giving attention to increasing financial solvency of the local government institutions and their institutional capacities.
Mentioning an assembly of the elected representatives of local government bodies in Dhaka, the CA said the allowance of chairmen and members will be raised. He said a decision has been taken to increase their allowance, which is a step towards empowering the local government system.
He said price spiral on the international market has caused the last year's price hike of essential commodities on the local market.
He said the government is giving priority to agriculture sector for boosting rice and food production. "As a result, the farmers will get fair prices of their produces while the market prices of the commodities will be stabilised," he assured the people.
In this regard, the CA said, allocation in ADP has been increased for taking short-and mid-term projects like providing better fertilisers and seeds, and ensuring a better irrigation management.
Responding to demands of the people from different districts, he said the government would take effective decisions on short-term schemes, which are essentials to solve the problems.
Besides, the CA said, the government has taken an initiative to launch long-term projects.
About fertiliser distribution, he agreed with some of the speakers that there has been some mismanagement in fertiliser distribution and assured that it would be overcome soon.
The CA said the government is thinking about open market sale of fertiliser and also taking steps for its marketing and distribution.
In this regard, he mentioned that a committee, headed by an adviser, has been formed to make recommendations for proper distribution and management of fertiliser.
VISITS MARKET
At around 3:00pm, the chief adviser went to Shombhuganj Bazar in Sadar upazila to see for himself the present market situation.
He talked to the people regarding the supply of agricultural commodities and prices of daily necessities.
Some of the people responded positively, saying that adequate amount of agricultural products, including rice, potatoes and other vegetables, are now available on the market.
The head of caretaker government also talked to some rice traders to know firsthand the prices of rice.