Explaining his caretaker government's stand against corruption, the CA said the present government is following two principles in combating corruption.

Firstly, he said the trial of corruption suspects will be held under the law of the land. Secondly, no one is above the law and, under this principle, if allegation of corruption against anyone proves true or anyone violates law, whoever he or she may be, will be brought to justice.

The head of the caretaker government explained his government's stand at an exchange of opinion meeting at Shilpakala Academy auditorium here yesterday morning. People from different professions and government officials attended the meeting organised by the district administration.

The CA urged the people to come forward and extend cooperation to the government in its drive against corruption, saying that it is not possible for the government alone to eliminate corruption from the country.

"Hate corruption and raise your voice against corruption," he said and noted that a handful of people thrives on this vice, while the majority suffers.

He said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will take up short, mid-and long-term programme to curb corruption.

Extending support to the election roadmap announced by the chief election commissioner, the chief adviser reaffirmed that the present government is determined to hold the parliamentary elections by December 2008 in a free, fair and neutral manner.

He said the government is carrying out efforts, including institutional and policy reforms, as per aspiration of the people to create a level playing field for elections.

The CA said he is sure that the Election Commission (EC) will be able to hold elections following the path of the roadmap and the government will provide all-out support to the EC to this end.

He noted that the Election Commission is also formulating electoral policy guidelines and other related matters and will consult all sections of people and others concerned for holding a free and fair election to give democracy a strong footing.

With this end in view, honest, dedicated and qualified people will be encouraged to contest the elections.

He said a flawless voter list with photographs is a prerequisite for fair election, which is a longstanding demand of all, and the EC is working for it.

On local government, he said the government is determined to enhance the power of local government and increase its working capability, as establishing good governance is essential.

He informed that a committee has been formed to formulate recommendations in three months and the government will consider the suggestions with importance. The CA called upon people to extend cooperation to the government efforts and goal in upholding democracy.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser CS Karim, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Munshiganj Mohammad Muniruddin, municipality chairman, union parshad chairmen, female members of union parishads, representatives of the Cold Storage Association, potato farmers, leaders of Munshiganj chamber, local journalists and freedom fighters took part in the exchange of opinion.

The CA asked government officials to discharge their duties honestly and neutrally without yielding to any unwarranted pressure or interference.

He also asked them to engage people in implementing government programme and to take opinion of people, particularly grassroots ones, in planning and thinking and to reflect people's aspiration in their activities.

Responding to local demands raised by the local speakers, he assured that his government would try to meet the demands and carry out development works as far as possible. He informed that he has discussed with ministries concerned and donors the construction of Padma Bridge and hoped it would be materialised.

The CA himself took note of the demands, proposals and problems raised by the locals. Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar and Home Secretary Abdul Karim, who were on the dais, also took note.