Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 1141 Tue. August 14, 2007  
   
Front Page


Take action against those doing politics defying ban
Dr Kamal urges CG


Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday demanded that the caretaker government take action against those who have been carrying out political activities defying the ban.

"Some people will keep doing politics despite the ban while others will not be allowed to do the same is not acceptable," he said at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club.

The law should be equal for all, observed the noted jurist. He said the interim administration should issue warnings for those who are flouting the rules, and let the law take its own course.

"We want neutral and effective use of the law against the corrupt and criminals," he said adding that they want to know the sources of income of all the political leaders.

Referring to Sunday's motorcycle procession in Manikganj by Ferdous Ahmed Qureshi's Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Kamal said he is ready to give legal assistance to anyone who would file a complaint against them.

"I ask the government to investigate the matter," he added.

Calling on everyone to come forward to help the flood victims, he said, "It is a humanitarian duty of ours to distribute relief among the destitute. But in no way can we accept politics in the name of relief work."

About pro-Mannan Bhuiyan [BNP secretary general] leaders who have so far been spared the heat of anti-graft drive despite corruption allegations, Dr Kamal called for the government to take action against those who stand accused of graft.

Reiterating his support for the government's initiative to contain the menace of corruption, he urged all to unite in efforts to establish good governance for meaningful and positive changes.

The caretaker government has some constitutional duties to perform and for that they should get their priorities right, he said adding that the government must strengthen co-ordination between its organs to do properly the job in hand.

The Gono Forum chief said the government is certainly making some mistakes. "I will ask them to stand corrected," he said when asked for his reaction to Adviser MA Matin's statements that a divine help would come in aid of the flood-affected people whose condition, he said, is not that bad.

Dr Kamal suggested that the advisers be careful while making statements.

On the allegation that the government was late in its response to floods, the globally renowned lawyer demanded an immediate probe into the matter.

"I will still not say this government has failed to tackle the situation. We will observe their performance over the next five to 10 days. But again I want them to succeed," he said.

The floods have already left adverse impacts on the country's economy.

Prices of essentials have long gone beyond the reach of common people, he said pointing out that the syndicates responsible for the price hike must be dismantled to make things turn around.

The jurist also asked the government to declare August 15, Bangabandhu's death anniversary, a national mourning day and a public holiday.

At the press conference, Dr Zahurul Karim, chairman of the Centre for Agri-research and Sustainable Environment and Entrepreneurship Development, presented a paper titled 'Flood 2007 and the Tasks Ahead'.

Writer-columnist Syed Abul Maksud, Gono Forum leaders Engineer Abul Kashem and Mostafa Mohsin Montu, among others, were present.

Picture
Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain addresses a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club in the city yesterday. On his right is Dr Zahurul Karim and on his left is writer-columnist Syed Abul Maksud. PHOTO: STAR