Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

My Fellow Countrymen,

Assalamualaikum.

The solemn responsibility of the Chief Adviser of the Non-Party Caretaker government has been placed on me at this critical juncture of Bangladesh’s history. I ask for the blessings of the Almighty, and the sincere good wishes, fullest support and cooperation of my fellow citizens in properly discharging this difficult responsibility.

I must begin by recalling with great respect the courageous individuals, the valiant freedom fighters and the heroic martyrs-by whose supreme sacrifice, extraordinary contributions, dedication and hard work our dear motherland was established as an independent, sovereign and democratic state. I remember also the leaders of our nation, who have guided our country and provided inspiration as we continue to move along the path of progress and prosperity.

My Fellow Countrymen,

It is by pledging our allegiance to the sacred Constitution of Bangladesh that I and my council of advisers have assumed the responsibility of running the government at this critical moment, with the objective of ensuring peace, happiness, prosperity, and the overall security of our nation and society. You all are aware under what circumstances we had to take this difficult responsibility. I am sure that my countrymen will agree with me that none of us would have wished for this path. But the difficult reality remains that our dear motherland finds itself in the midst of a serious crisis. The greatest challenges today are to maintain political and social stability as well as to uphold and strengthen our democracy by holding free and fair polls which ensure every citizen’s right to vote. We also face the challenge of keeping the wheels of progress and prosperity of our country fully operational. We must face all these challenges with strong determination. We must strive to make our future brighter, more enlightened and vibrant. To achieve these objectives I urge my countrymen to demonstrate patience, tolerance and patriotism.

My Fellow Countrymen,

Why do I now make this appeal to you and why are these tasks incumbent on my government? Looking back on the experience of the Bangladeshi people over the past 36 years, we must ask ourselves if we have achieved the happiness, peace and prosperity that we all desire ? Why have we not achieved the achievable? The answers to these questions bring to light the distressing picture of a nation plagued by rampant corruption, mired in the dominance of individual and group interests over the national interest, beset by unscrupulous competition for power, wealth and influence, stuck ever deeper in the cult of personality, and preyed upon by the indiscriminate use of black money and muscle power to achieve narrow interests. Despite repeated calls for caution from the honest and sincere segments of our society, their message has not been heeded Hence the time has now come when we must work together to pursue the goal of establishing a solid foundation for our country. For our efforts to succeed, it is essential for us to unite as a nation and work together with a common sense of patriotism.

My Fellow Countrymen,

You all know that a general election was scheduled for 22nd January 2007, to hand over power to an Elected Government through a universally recognized democratic process. But the controversy, uncertainty and lawlessness that emerged around the elections not only endangered economic advancement, social cohesion and security but also threatened the very democratic core of our country.

Destructive and subversive activities, violent and hostile attitudes harbored by opposing political parties, and the absence of a conducive environment for free and fair polls not only made holding the scheduled elections impossible, but also imperiled the very heart of our democratic system. I believe that the dedicated and patriotic political leaders and workers, the civil society and people from all walks of life want an end to this situation. We must therefore work together to end this situation once and for all.

My Fellow Countrymen,

Bangladeshi people from all strata want a free, fair, peaceful and neutral election as per constitutional provisions and with the participation of all political parties. Achieving this is the central goal of our government.

Any general election becomes meaningless if the essential rules and regulations of the election are not followed. Therefore, the most important responsibility of the present government is to create a transparent, peaceful and congenial atmosphere for conducting a truly democratic election. It is therefore the responsibility of this government to undertake the necessary electoral reforms to ensure a free, fair and universally acceptable election with participation from all parties as soon as possible. We must outline a clear program and then formulate and implement a specific plan to achieve these goals. Our efforts must be concentrated to ensure the success of our endeavor, for in this task we cannot afford to fail. The nation cannot bear to stumble again and return to the unstable and intolerable situation of the recent past.

My Fellow Countrymen,

It is one of the principal pre-conditions of our democratic state to have a neutral, robust and independent Election Commission. Though unpleasant to acknowledge, it is nevertheless true that the activities of the Election Commission were not above question even in the past. The present Election Commission has become especially controversial, and the reconstitution of the Election Commission has therefore become imperative. In order to hold a free, fair and credible election, it is equally important to prepare and publish an accurate and flawless voter list. Necessary and effective steps will be taken in this regard. Appropriate measures will also be taken to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct and to monitor electoral expenditures. You are aware that there have been calls for voter identity cards and transparent ballot boxes from various quarters. Steps will be taken in regards to these issues following detailed analysis and planning.

While it is necessary to fulfill these conditions to ensure the holding of a free, fair and credible election, it is also important for the political parties to nominate honest and qualified candidates to ensure a meaningful and universally acceptable process. Today, the Bangladeshi people demand it, and the hour demands it.

There is no denying that we cannot attain real democracy without emancipating ourselves from the vicious cycles of corruption and terrorism in the country. Therefore, we are committed to freeing the election from corruption and muscle-power. Effective programs will be undertaken to reform the overall poll process so that black money and muscle-power cannot obstruct free and fair elections and cannot alter the true reflection of the people’s will. In particular, appropriate measures will he taken to take detailed accounts of the earnings and assets of all candidates and to ensure the validity of such disclosures. We must banish the use of muscle power and black money from the election scene. I hope that all political parties will join us and provide full cooperation in this regard and will reflect these ideals in the political culture, including the nomination process.

My Fellow Countrymen,

Maintaining law and order is the principal precondition for a peaceful and acceptable election as well as for the continued development of the country. We have been working relentlessly to further improve the law and order situation, to ensure the safety and security of people’s lives and property, and to restore peace and stability to the country. As part of this effort, joint drives and combined operations by the armed forces, police, BDR, RAB and other law-enforcement agencies have been launched. Stern legal action is being taken against the so-called ‘godfathers’, identified criminals, terrorists, extortionists and anti-social elements. Strong measures are being taken against those who resorted to hurling bombs in the name of religion, and against all extremist activities, illegal weapons and smuggling. My firm belief is that the law and order situation has improved as a result of all these steps. These drives and activities will therefore be intensified further.

You are aware that our remarkable armed forces, known for their patriotism and for their great spirit of sacrifice, and acclaimed in the national and international arena for the professionalism, is assisting the civil administration in maintaining law and order. I believe that it will be possible for the law-enforcement agencies to maintain social stability and a peaceful environment with your continued, active and sincere cooperation. I want to make it very clear that all concerned have been instructed so that no innocent citizen is unnecessarily harassed or victimized.

You all are aware that the present emergency has been declared in the face of a political crisis. It has no contradiction with the people’s expectation. As a result, we remain vigilant in upholding the basic rights of the people, including human rights and freedom of the press and mass media.

My Fellow Countrymen,

Now let me turn to a few other relevant matters. We must ensure that the country’s administration is non-partisan and neutral, without which holding a neutral general election or establishing a fair democratic system is not possible. Government officials should always remember that the political parties are not their masters. They must remain neutral in their work for the Republic, for they are the servants of the people. They must remain free from the undesirable influence of party politics.

The judiciary shall be independent and neutral. You have seen that the present caretaker government has taken a bold and momentous step to separate the judiciary from the executive within a short span of time. This step will be regarded as a milestone in the history of the country’s judiciary. People from all walks of life, including lawyers and civil society, have appreciated this measure. We want the judiciary to uphold its dignity. Let the rule of law and justice be established on a firm footing.

My Fellow Countrymen,

You have seen that rampant corruption and plundering of the nation’s wealth by some dishonest individuals have left the country’s economy, society and politics polluted, shattered and backward. The country’s image and standing has been tarnished around the globe. This situation cannot be allowed to continue.

The people of the country want stern measures against the corrupt persons. We will launch a firm and systematic campaign soon to curb corruption. The Anti-corruption Commission and other government organizations concerned will be restructured and reinvigorated. These organizations will be restored and will be kept free from all forms of outside influence.

My Fellow Countrymen,

You are aware of the sufferings of the people of all spheres due to the power crisis and its negative impact on trade, commerce, agriculture and industries. The increasing power demand and the deficit in its supply, the corruption in power distribution and general mismanagement have not only curtailed the prospects of industries and production but also jeopardized everyday life. We must overcome this situation quickly. As you know, large expenses and a long time is required to set up new power stations. We cannot expect increases in power generation overnight. But the country will incur further economic loss if proper measures for increasing power generation are not taken right now. Steps will be taken immediately to curb corruption and increase power supply through fair management.

My Fellow Countrymen,

The price-hike of essentials has made the life of the people, particularly the low-income group, miserable. Increasing the supply of various items can have a positive impact on the price level. If the market is allowed to function normally, then the regular supply of essentials will determine the prices of commodities fairly, which will protect the interests of both producers and consumers. Mismanagement of the ports, extortion in the transportation of goods and the control of markets by some unscrupulous traders and other distorting activities disrupt the supply of commodities and create a negative impact on the prices of essentials. Stringent measures will be taken against such practices.

My Fellow Countrymen,

An atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance, coupled with a free-thinking and fraternal attitude, are essential to establish a proper democratic system and to allow for the participation of different parties in the elections. There is a need to allow for forward thinking debate on specific issues without becoming emotionally-charged, unreasonable, or narrow-minded. The nation must be freed from the ills of social and religious-based divisions and we must keep our communal harmony intact. We must work together to create a society that fulfills the promise that the ‘head is held high where heart is free from fear’*. It is my firm belief that our active media and objective journalists will undoubtedly help in guiding the nation in the right direction. Our vigilant society will always remain active and alert to protect and uphold the national conscience and ideals.

My Fellow Countrymen,

As a nation, we believe in peace and harmony, in respect for human rights and in democratic values. We have traditionally maintained a friendly attitude towards all countries, specially our neighbors. We are determined to continue our campaign against international extremism and terrorism. Our activities in this field are guided by internationally recognized principles and values both at home and abroad. We are determined to follow and strengthen the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. We want to progress along the path of democracy while maintaining regional co-operation and upholding good relations with all countries based on mutual respect.

My Fellow Countrymen,

I want to make it absolutely clear that we are determined to hand over power to an elected government at the earliest instance by arranging free, fair and acceptable general elections. But to achieve this objective the sincere and whole-hearted cooperation of the people is essential, as is the active support of the political parties. The involvement of all relevant institutions and organizations is also important. The support of all friendly democratic countries and international agencies will help make the election acceptable at home and enhance Bangladesh’s image abroad.

My Fellow Countrymen,

We will devote all our strength to achieving these goals, as we surely will with your blessings, support, and sincere cooperation, and by the grace of Almighty Allah. We have liberated our dear motherland through innumerable sacrifices and through the loss of so many precious lives. The blood of millions of martyrs has blended with the soil of our nation. We must prove the truth that their sacrifices were not in vain. And as we must think of our debt to the martyrs of independence, so too must we remember that we are accountable to future generations.

Let Bangladesh live forever and keep its head high in the world, as it has throughout its glorious history. Let us all work together to take our beloved Bangladesh on the path of rapid progress in order to achieve its enormous potential. Leaving behind petty personal interests, let us be imbued with a strong sense of patriotism. Let us help future generations by building the Bangladesh of their dreams.

It is my and my colleague’s firm belief that we shall be able to reach these cherished goals, insha-Allah, through the active and collective cooperation of all. We will build Bangladesh, a country of unlimited potential, with a firm commitment to its march along the path of democracy. We will build a happy, prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh-a dream nurtured since the birth of our nation. We can and will be successful in building a modern, strong and democratic Bangladesh.

In closing, I wish you all happiness, peace and prosperity.

Let Almighty Allah bless us all.

* A famous quote from Rabindranath Tagore, Bengali poet and recipient of the 1913 Nobel Prize in Literature.