Text
of the Speech of the Hon'ble President and Chief of Caretaker Government made
on 29 October 2006
Bismillahir
Rahmanir Rahim
Dear countrymen brothers and sisters,
Assalamu
Alaimum
I have appeared before you at a crucial time of the nation. You know, as per the
Constitution, a Caretaker Government is formed for 90 days soon after expiry of
the tenure of an elected government.
The constitution of the country
stipulates the specific process in this regard. Under the process, last retired
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is supposed to take the
responsibility
of the Chief Adviser of the Caretaker Government.
But, former Chief
Justice K M Hasan expressed his unwillingness to take the responsibility against
the backdrop of the objections of some political parties and their agitation that
turned violent.
The constitution provides that if such retired Chief
Justice is not willing to hold the office of Chief Advisor, the Chief Justice
retired before the last retired Chief Justice will be the
Chief Advisor.
But, as Justice Mainur Reza Chowdhury expired, the last retired justice of
the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court is supposed to hold the office of
the Chief Advisor of the Caretaker Government.
But, the last retired
justice of the Appellate Division, M A Aziz, can not be the Chief of the Caretaker
Government as he is holding the office of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Earlier, retired Justice Hamidul Haque expressed his unwillingness to be
the Chief of the Caretaker Government without consensus of the two major political
parties.
The two major political parties could not reach any consensus
on the issue.
At this stage, I started discussion with the BNP Secretary
General and Awami League General Secretary aimed at reaching a consensus. Later,
as per article 58(C) (5) of the constitution I started discussion on October 29
with the representatives of the fourpolitical parties represented in the last
parliament. I sincerely hoped that the major political parties will be able to
reach a consensus about a distinguished person of the country for the position.
Regretfully, they could not reach any consensus.
At this stage, as there
is no other option, I had to take the responsibility of the neutral Caretaker
Government as per article 58(C)(6) of the constitution in addition to my present
duties.
Dear countrymen,
The political unrest and violence
that have been prevailing across the country for the last few days led to total
uncertainty in the country. The country has suffered severely socially and economically.
Public life and property are suffering losses at every moment, which should not
be allowed to continue. People want its end. Our foremost responsibility at this
moment is to fulfill the expectation of the people. In view of this, there was
no alternative to take the charge of the Caretaker Government as per the constitution
without any delay.
We liberated the country at the highest sacrifice
of the lives of lakhs of patriotic people. Our democracy has been well established
through various ups and downs. It is the duty of all of us to continue the democratic
process for upholding our highest success - the independence. It is the responsibility
of the government to ensure security in the society and also to keep economic
activities uninterrupted. We have to do everything required in the interest of
the country, nation and people and to perform the duties as per the constitution.
Dear Countrymen,
I urge for your all out support for performing
the duties bestowed upon me at the crucial moment of the country. I hope all citizens
and political parties of the country wouldextend their sincere cooperation to
me in performing this duty. We are committed to holding a free and fair election
to the national parliament keeping ourselves above the influence of any party
and opinion. I, in this context, seek the cooperation of the political parties
to appoint ten appropriate advisers.
I urge the people of all walks for
maintaining peace and discipline in the country. We have to consider the interest
of the country and the people above everything. Everyone should be alert so that
no individual or party interest could stand as an obstacle to performing our exclusive
national responsibilities.
At the same time, I urge all officials-employees
of the republic for performing their own duties neutrally. I sincerely hope, we
would be able to hand over the power to the elected government by holding a free
and fair election in time.
May almighty Allah bless all of us.
Allah Hafez
Bangladesh
Jindabad
