"Honest and dedicated people would be encouraged to contest the polls where there won't be influence of black money and muscle power and abuse of authority," he said addressing an opinion-exchange meeting with local elite and government officials here.

The meeting was organised by the district administration where representatives of various professions, including businessmen, lawyers, journalists and teachers, took part.

Fakhruddin said there is no alternative to strengthening the local government and informed that the Election Commission is working to hold election to local government bodies before holding the general election.

He said the interim government's objective is to create a "level playing field" before elections so that all political parties can take part in the polls.

The CA mentioned that there have been sweeping reforms in the country, including a purge of outworn politics as well as legal actions against corruption and abuse of power.

"The government is providing all necessary support to the Election Commission, particularly in preparing a flawless voter list with voters' photographs, so that it can arrange general election within the announced timeline," he told the meet.

Fakhruddin said preparation of voter list with photographs is being made in Rajshahi city. The voter listing will start in Rangpur municipality on August 19.

He also mentioned Election Commission's move to hold dialogue with political parties on various matters, including political party registration.

The government would do its responsibility, if required, regarding reform of rules and regulations as well as the EC carry out its responsibility where necessary, he added.

The head of caretaker government called upon all sections of people to build social resistance against corruption. "Raise your voice against corruption to build a corruption-free society…Do not practise, indulge in or harbour corruption," he said.

Fakhruddin noted that application of law is imperative to curb corruption and, similarly, social resistance is also necessary to check corruption.

He expressed his optimism that it would be possible to build up resistance against corruption if people and government work together.

On floods, Fakhruddin said government and private initiatives would have to be strengthened to prevent post-flood waterborne diseases like diarrhoea. If adequate preventive measures can be taken, the outbreak of waterborne diseases can be checked.

About post-flood rehabilitation, he said the main job would be to agricultural rehabilitation through supplying seeds and credits to farmers timely.

In this regard, he directed the authorities concerned, particularly Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, to provide necessary loan to farmers in time.

Fakhruddin also asked for need assessment for other rehabilitation works like roads, bridges and embankments and educational institutions

While talking on Monga, a perennial problem of some northern areas, earlier in a separate programme at the same venue, the chief adviser said if all are determined to work unitedly, such lean-time penury would be gone forever.

He asked the field-level government officials to involve people in various government projects to deliver the fruits of development to the people.

On local demands, Fakhruddin said Shyamasunder canal in Rangpur town would be re-excavated but stressed the need for its maintenance.

He said recovery operation of illegally possessed canals has started in Dhaka and the drive would continue through this month. "Filling up of canals is one of the main reasons for floods in the country," he added.

LGRD Adviser M Anwarul Iqbal and Agriculture Adviser CS Karim also spoke at the meeting.