DHAKA, Nov 22 (BSS) - The President and Chief Adviser, Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, today told the nation that the Chief Election Commissioner, Justice MA Aziz, has agreed to go on three months' leave responding to his interim government's request "ending the
current political standoff in the country".

In a nationwide address broadcast by radio and TV tonight he said, "Though the chief election commissioner was firmly determined to carry out his constitutional responsibilities, he has agreed, responding to our initiatives, to go on three months' leave, subject to conditions."

The President said, under the conditions, Justice Aziz would stay in the country during the leave and "the state will provide his overall security and other facilities."

President Iajuddin said he has decided to appoint two new commissioners to the Election Commission, using his authority under Article 118 (1) of the Constitution, with the objective of reconstituting the constitutional body.

"My non-party caretaker government firmly believes that the impasse that was created in the political arena has ended as the Chief Election Commissioner has agreed to go on leave," the President said.

He sought the cooperation of all political parties in creating a "pro-election environment" in the wake of the initiatives taken by his interim administration so far.

"The political parties and the people," he said, "have no alternative to getting election oriented".

"I am seeking your all out support for discharging the responsibilities reposed upon my non-party caretaker government," the President said urging all to consider the interest of the country and the people above everything else.

He also urged the government officials and employees to discharge their duty neutrally. "All will have to be careful so that no individual or partisan interest can debar us from
discharging this national responsibility."

The President urged the Advisers of the caretaker administration to make visible the "presence of an effective government" giving the due attention to their respective portfolio "which they could not do in the last several days due to the political standoff".

He said taking the advantage of the impasse "some dishonest people and quarters tried reap profit increasing prices of essentials causing misery of the people".

"The only option we have before us now is to hold the general elections to elect the ninth Jatiya Sangsad to uphold the constitution and maintain democratic continuity," the President said.

He hoped that the election commission would take all steps following the constitution to hold the election on the schedule.

The President said the political parties or individuals could contact theElection Commission, in line with the relevant laws, if they still had complaints, grievances or advices regarding the polls even after its reconstitution.

"I am expecting that all concerned will begin their election activities without any delay," he said.

President Iajuddin said the background and existing situation of his interim government was different from those of the past.

He said he was compelled to take the responsibility of the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government in the interest of continuity of the constitutional process "against the backdrop of a severe political conflict, disputes as well as law and order situation".

"I was not at all ready to take this responsibility," he said.

The President said following the formation of the interim government "we deeplyobserved that my government was facing sustained political pressure for carrying out some tasks which were beyond our constitutional jurisdiction".

Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner or replacement of election commissioners, he said, was not within the jurisdiction of the caretaker government constitutionally.

"Yet in view of the situation, the people's hardship and showing respect to the demands of the political parties, my government took the initiative to reconstitute the Election
Commission," he said.

He said keeping law and order intact was pre-condition to holding smooth elections. "I am instructing all concerned to take stringent steps to maintain law and order."

"In discharging this responsibilities you all should carry out your duty staying above all fear," he ordered the concerned agencies.

In this regard, the President said, highest priority must be attached not to harass any innocent person. ` "In this task you should follow the dictum, `protect the innocent and suppress the mischief-makers," he ordered the law enforcement agencies.

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