No uncertainty in polls by end-2008

Army chief General Moeen U Ahmed said fears over the uncertainty of holding free, fair, credible elections will be proved baseless by the end of 2008, as the government will take adequate measures in the remaining 14 months.
He was speaking at a civic reception in Boston, United States yesterday.
Asked when the army would return to the barracks, a smiling Moeen replied, "Where would the army return? Where do you want to expel us? We are citizens of Bangladesh, after all. So we will stay with you and share your moments of joy and sadness."
"There is still 14 months left to hold elections in accordance with the roadmap. Fourteen months is not a short time… a lot will happen during this time. So, those who are anxious about whether acceptable elections can be held in a free, fair, and credible climate, their fears will be proved baseless," he said.
He said the present caretaker government is fulfilling a promise given by the past three elected governments, by separating the judiciary from November 1, reports US-based news agency ENA.
But Moeen quickly added that it would have to take place gradually because a lot of judges will be required and the government plans to train magistrates to fill in the posts.
He said $129 million dubious or illegally earned money siphoned off overseas has been brought back to Bangladesh and deposited in the central bank. He said another $72 million has been recovered but is stuck in legal disputes.
Moeen said another $214 million would be brought to Bangladesh soon using the same process.
"This government is here to reinstate democracy. But everyone has to remember that corruption devours democracy. So, this war against corruption will continue until the corruption levels are brought down to a tolerable limit," he said.
The general said the military sacrificed everything to assist the caretaker government in holding free, fair and credible elections, after they realised the importance of protecting the country from internal and external enemies.
The army chief also cited the caretaker government's achievements, such as recasting and reforming the Election Commission, Anti-corruption Commission, Public Service Commission and the University Grants Commission.
He said government policies have succeeded in reducing the prices of cement, iron rods, and power-line poles, while no relief materials were stolen nor did anyone die from hunger after the floods.
The general also told the audience that the government is trying not to let Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd lose its slot at New York's John F Kennedy Airport.
Biman is scheduled to lose the slot on October 26 if no flights operate on that route.
Moeen told the non-resident Bangladeshis that their only identity should be "Bangladeshi" and they should not divide themselves along Bangladeshi political or regional lines, as this would weaken the community.
He said Bangladeshis overseas should unite under the banner "One flag, One Nation, One Country--Our Bangladesh" idea.