Bangladesh seeks army assistance for fair polls

BANGLADESH: The head of Bangladesh's caretaker government urged the armed forces on Sunday to help in holding fair parliamentary elections after a state of emergency was declared earlier this month.

"I hope you will stand up with this government in our efforts for holding a credible election with the participation of all political parties," Fakhruddin Ahmed said in his first address to soldiers at the capital's military barracks.

He praised troops for the role they had already played in the south Asian country ravaged by a spate of violence triggered by political feuds.

Analysts say his administration has the backing of the armed forces, which appear to be opting for a behind-the-scene role rather than taking power directly.

Bangladesh experienced its worst political crisis in years before President Iajuddin Ahmed declared the state of emergency, cancelled elections set for Jan. 22 and appointed Fakhruddin to lead the interim administration.

Although many welcomed the army-backed state of emergency imposed on Jan. 11, which banned all political and trade union activities and also put a tight control on the usually independent media, there has been disquiet among some political parties and diplomats.

On Sunday, the U.S. ambassador said the government must support freedom of the press.

"Independence of media is very important for democracy in Bangladesh," Patricia A. Butenis told reporters after meeting the interim authority's law adviser.

Mainul Husein, information adviser to the caretaker authority, said no curbs had been imposed on the media.

"We have given a guideline for the newsmen to work during the emergency, as allowed by the constitution of the country," Mainul told editors of local dailies, who met him on Sunday.

"The constitution of the country has the power to control newspapers and mass media even in a normal situation in the interest of safeguarding the national security, peace and discipline," state news agency BSS quoted Mainul as saying.

Mahfuz Anam, editor of the daily Star, told reporters after meeting Mainul: "We have conveyed our concerns to him and told him about the likely impact of putting curbs on a free media."

So far, no fresh date has been set for a new vote, in part because a multi-party political alliance led by Sheikh Hasina, a former prime minister and chief of the Awami League, wants reforms implemented before balloting.

Hasina has asked for the removal of Election Commission officials she accuses of bias towards rival Begum Khaleda Zia, who ended her five-year tenure as prime minister in October.

Since Khaleda handed power to the interim authority at least 45 people have been killed and hundreds injured in violence among political rivals.

Fakhruddin said the voting lists must be overhauled to strip out fake entries and to include those eligible to vote before elections can take place.

Dhaka, Monday, Reuters