Highlights of the address:

– Introduction of voter’s ID cards and transparent ballot boxes to be examined

– Influence of black money and muscle on the next election will be curbed

– Prospective candidates will have to submit wealth, income statements and veracity of their versions will be ensured.

– ACC will be activated to fight graft

– Power supply will be increased through curbing of corruption. Price hike of essentials will be curbed. Parties should nominate honest, efficient candidates

The chief adviser to the interim government, Fakhruddin Ahmed, in his address to the nation on Sunday, January21 laid down an ambitious agenda of sweeping reforms of the state’s institutions, a streamlining of the electoral process, and a crackdown on corruption and political muscle, but stopped short of providing a timeline of when his military-backed government would end its tenure.

Fakhruddin, addressing the nation for the first time over a week after assuming the reins of government, repeatedly mentioned that his administration is pledge-bound to create a democratic environment to hold parliamentary polls ‘at the earliest possible time’, but there were no clear indications as to when that time would come.

‘Today’s biggest challenge is to uphold and consolidate the democratic system through ensuring a congenial political and social environment, the holding of a free and fair election and ensuring the people’s voting rights,’ he said in the nearly 20-minute address broadcast simultaneously over radio and television.

Referring to the postponed January 22 general elections, Fakhruddin said the circumstances in which the state of emergency was announced and he took office had not only threatened economic activity and people’s security, but also the democratic system.

‘The role of the Election Commission did not remain above controversy,’ he lamented, stating the urgent need for reforms in the electoral process and the holding of elections participated by all political parties. The chief adviser promised to take effective measures to tabulate a flawless voters’ list, issuing voters’ identity cards, and installing transparent ballot boxes for a credible polls.

He cited the presence of unabated corruption, the precedence of personal and party interest over national interest, the unholy competition for power and wealth, and the rampant use of black money and muscle power in national politics. He said that a section of the people has been involved in plundering the public exchequer and there will be stern action against the corrupt.

The Anti-Corruption Commi-ssion and other government institutions would be recast and rejuvenated in this regard, he said. ‘It cannot be denied that if the country is not freed from the adverse influence of corruption and crime, ascending on the path of democracy is not possible,’ the former governor of the country’s central bank said, adding that his government is determined to free the elections from these vices.

Formidable steps would be taken to bring reforms to the entire electoral process so that black money and muscle power would not hinder the holding of a free and fair elections and ensuring an environment where the true will of then people is reflected. Appropriate measures would be taken to ensure the proof of a candidate’s assets and source of earning, Fakhruddin said, seeking all out cooperation from the political parties in this regard.

Mentioning the steps of his administration in improving law and order, the chief adviser said that combing operations by joint forces comprising the army, police, BDR and RAB against ‘godfathers’, extortionists, criminals and anti-social elements were on. He said emergency was imposed due to a political crisis but assured that his administration would not clamp down on the fundamental and human rights of the people and the freedom of the press.

Fakhruddin pointed out that civil servants should remember that the political parties were not their masters, but rather they are the servants of the republic. He asked them to remain free of political influence in discharging their duties.