President urges Election Commission to uphold institutional image, public trust
President Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the Bangladesh Election Commission to uphold its institutional image and public trust by holding all upcoming elections in a free, fair and neutral manner. The president said he would work in a completely non-partisan manner in discharging his state responsibilities and for the welfare of the state. “Before assuming the responsibility of president, I resigned from the party, parliament and cabinet. I am now completely a non-partisan person. I will continue to discharge my responsibilities in a non-partisan manner,” he said.
He made the remarks yesterday at the first Darbar of the President with the officers and employees of Bangabhaban, held at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban. He said after assuming the responsibility of president, he would have no anger or affection toward anyone. The interests of the country, state and people would be his only objective. He stressed the importance of gaining public trust and ensuring honesty, dedication, sincerity and responsibility under any circumstances.
Addressing the officers and employees of Bangabhaban, the President said they must maintain love, respect and loyalty toward the country and its people. He urged the officers and employees of Bangabhaban to perform their respective duties with dedication, sincerity and honesty. Highlighting the history and heritage of Bangabhaban, he said Bangabhaban is a symbol of state dignity and sovereignty. Its dignity must be maintained.
The President said all matters relating to the daily activities of Bangabhaban and important state decisions must be conducted with strict confidentiality so that state security is not compromised in any way. He also called for frugality and responsibility in state expenditure and urged that wastage be prevented. The President said government assets and other facilities are operated with the money of the people of the country. Therefore, proper, responsible, transparent and accountable use of these resources must be ensured. He urged the officers and employees to maintain discipline in their personal lives and regularly strive to develop moral strength and good character.
He paid deep respect to those who sacrificed their lives in the great Liberation War of 1971. At the same time, he respectfully recalled the sacrifices and contributions of the great proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Mr. Ziaur Rahman, and former Prime Minister Ms. Khaleda Zia in building the country and state after the war. He also respectfully recalled all previous presidents. Addressing the officers and employees of Bangabhaban, the President said, “We are a family here. We all work in the same place. When we get the opportunity, we will try to solve problems by talking to one another.” He expressed hope that everyone would work together in the future as well.
The President made the call when a four-member delegation of the Bangladesh Election Commission paid a courtesy call on President Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban yesterday afternoon. The delegation was led by Chief Election Commissioner Mr. AMM Nasir Uddin. The other members of the delegation were Election Commissioner Mr. Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Election Commissioner Mr. Anwarul Islam Sarker and Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah.
During the meeting, the President stressed the importance of institutionalising, strengthening and consolidating democracy and urged the Election Commission to work with neutrality, honesty and responsibility. The Chief Election Commissioner congratulated Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming office as president. He briefed the President on the overall activities of the commission, particularly the preparations for union parishad and municipality elections, NID correction, NID services for Bangladeshis living abroad and progress on various other issues.
