New ministers attend office

Several newly appointed ministers yesterday said the credibility of the next general election, due by January 24, will depend on voter turnout.
The main opposition BNP should contest the poll as participation of all parties would ensure a free, fair and neutral election, observed the ministers after assuming office.
Meanwhile, the government yesterday appointed Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman Anwar Hossain Monju as an adviser to the prime minister, raising the number of PM's advisers to 11.
The new members of the “election-time cabinet” said their main task would be to assist the Election Commission hold the election.
If majority of voters take part in the upcoming election, it would be acceptable, said Post and Telecommunications Minister Rashed Khan Menon at the secretariat.
“There is no alternative to continuing the constitutional and democratic process,” added Menon, also president of Workers Party.
Land Minister Amir Hossain Amu echoed the views of Menon. “The acceptability of an election depends on the turnout of voters, not on which parties are contesting the polls.”
The EC, with the help of law enforcement agencies, will hold the polls, while the ministers will lend necessary support to the EC, he mentioned.
Industries Minister Tofail Ahmed voiced optimism that the BNP would contest the election shunning the path of violence.
“I believe the BNP, by this time, has realised that nothing good could be achieved through anarchy. I hope BNP will wake up to the reality and take part in the election,” noted Tofail, also in charge of the housing and public works ministry.
The EC, he said, has conducted free and fair elections in five city corporations. “Similarly, I believe, the EC can perform in the same way during the parliamentary election.”
Tofail, who first took charge of the industries ministry at Motijheel, warned against any irregularities by the officials of the housing and public works ministry.
“I want you all to be honest in your work and discharge duties with sincerity and transparency,” said the senior AL leader.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Rawshan Ershad said BNP should join the election in the interest of the country and its people.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Ruhul Amin Hawlader said the country has been going through a crisis which is more serious than those in the past.
“The responsibility placed upon me is not only to run the ministry, but also to resolve the ongoing political crisis,” mentioned Hawlader, also secretary general of the Jatiya Party (Ershad).
Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud, State Minister for Youth and Sports Mujibul Haque Chunnu and State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Salma Islam took charge of their respective ministries and exchanged greetings with officials.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formed the 29-member “polls-time cabinet” on Thursday.