Drive against corruption will be conducive to fair polls : Chief Adviser

Chief Adviser of the Caretaker government Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed on Sunday said drive against corruption will create a favourable atmosphere of election and at the same time will help bring economic benefits to people.

The government is determined to check corruption, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said and called upon all to cooperate in rooting out the menace from the society.Corruption was spread out everywhere and it made lives of common people vulnerable, he added. The Chief Adviser made the remarks while exchanging views with high civil and military officials of Barisal division at the local circuit house. Previously he exchanged views with divisional level government officials at Chittagong.

Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed asked the officials to take effective steps so that price of the essentials can be kept at a tolerable level. Price level can be controlled by ensuring smooth supply system, he said and added vigilance should be kept so that the dishonest businessmen cannot manipulate the market. He also asked the officials to be alert so that the genuine businessmen are not being harassed during the drive of the law enforcers.

The Chief Adviser directed the government officials of all levels to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity, neutrality and responsibility rising above fear and intimidation. "You are the officials of the republic and will perform your work as per rules under the constitution and not being loyal to any party or opinion" he added.

Terming the government officials as servant of people, he also asked them to work with a mentality of service. Referring to various reforms undertaken by the government including the Election Commission and Anti- Corruption Commission, Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said these are aimed at holding a free and fair election.