A few heartening developments.
All 5 election commissioners after meeting the president have resigned. This now sets up the stage for reforming the council. Former Secretary Anisuzzaman Khan is tipped to be the Chief Election Commissioner,
In a less of a significant move the agricultural adviser went to the remote villages of Mymensingh without any government protocol today. Goal was to see first hand to verify the source of the news of the fertilizer crisis first hand. The farmers came to him directly and told him of they are not getting the fertilizer they need. With the adviser was Channel I’s Shaikh Siraj. Shaikh Siraj with his very popular program Mati O Manush has been instrumental in publicizing the news of the fertilizer crisis. Previously, Siraj was called into the adviser’s meeting as an expert to brief on the situation.
January 31st, 2007 at 5:41 am
I am following the Bdnews and they did not conferm the resignation yet. What is your news source?
January 31st, 2007 at 10:18 am
DS reports that Dr Yunus might join politics, now its time that he should join the politics.
Following are his speech at the press conference in India.
“I’m not that person to be comfortable in politics…if the circumstances force me, I won’t be afraid of joining politics,”
“I physiologically don’t agree to take up the post of Bangladesh president.”
“We would like to have a clean government through the next election which would be transparent as this is the best and last chance to reform democratic institutions.”
“Our politicians don’t want to pull the country off the LDC category as there are some benefits for them to keep the country there,”
“More than 70 percent of the country’s total population are still out of electricity network and those who have they don’t get it for 24 hours. When uninterrupted electricity supply could be ensured, the industrialisation and productivity will get a tremendous boost in Bangladesh.”
January 31st, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Election Commissioners resignation process apparently was very interesting. Apparently they didn’t resign when they met the president and went back to their respective offices in EC. Even until evening S F Munaim of CA’s office didn’t have any knowlede of their resignation.
Finally at 945 PM Barrister Moinul Hossain comes up and declares their resignation.
Not sure whether they really resigned or Barrister Moinul just announced their resignation and sent troops at all the EC’s home to have the resignations papers signed.
Any hopefully a new and better chapter will begin with these resignations.
January 31st, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Brig General (retd) Shakhawat Hossain is likely to be one of the two other ECs, while Anisuzzaman Khan is reported to be the CEC.
January 31st, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Personally I feel that instead of sixty plus retired officials, this time around the EC should comprise of people in their 40’s with energy and conviction to give a new bench mark for the future. But from the rumors going around in Dhaka, its not likely to happen!!
Cheers
February 1st, 2007 at 2:38 am
Sufibaba,
Yr comments in sl #5:”EC should comprise of people in their 40’s with energy and conviction to give a new bench mark for the future.” -My personal opinion is that 50-55 age should have the maturity and professional experience- in 40s one is still acquiring both and may be suitable for just being Commissioners so that eventually they can learn n take-over from the Seniors as they retire by 60-62 age. Just a thought.
February 3rd, 2007 at 1:37 am
Friends,
Selection for Cheif Election Commissioner and other Commissioner are being done now under CTG and hopefully this will on a neutral bais. Now once EC is well established and independent it means it will be the best to establish free and fair elction and set appropriate laws for Party n their nominated Candidates to follow. The there should be no requirement for CTG system and should be abolished. Now what about the future CEC and Commissioners– how will they selected/appointed-will it be through Public Service Commission or through other such Departments??? THIS POINT ALSO NEED ATTENTION.
February 3rd, 2007 at 4:10 am
Phantom,
If u have a totally neutral EC, still u’ll need a CG in BD to neutralize the admin. EC does not have much admin powers. DCs act as returning officers whose neutrality is extremely important. A political govt can place their men in the admin and police to influence voting and results. The recast of EC is just a step towards a free election,i.e a necessary condition, not the sufficient condition.
February 4th, 2007 at 3:03 am
Timur,
Thanks 4 the clarification. How did we conduct elections before the CTG system established in 1996 only???Just asking to know the system not to create confusion with yr point which is well indicated. If the EC,ACC and the President who becomes the Powerful( to conduct the affirs through the Secretaries of the different Ministries) becomes independent and Neutral do we then still need the CG?-The CG system is not appropriate considering the fact that we have seen enough of chaos n confusion that arises for selecting a CG.The first CTG was perfect that was because all were very alert about their individual responsibility and they didnt have time to trace the loop holes n corrupt the system.Can we try to analyse how in India n other neighbouring countries their Election takes places and write details for public awareness.Would appreciate your further opinion and of other Members of the Dristipath too–this is a good point to survey.Waiting to hear mor.