Call to work together on national issues: Hasina

Demanding to create a level playing field to ensure holding of a free, fair and credible national parliament election Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Sunday urged all political parties to work together on national issues specially natural resources and food security after the election.
She made this call when Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Ingebjorg Stofring called on at her Sudhasadan residence yesterday. During the meeting between Hasina and Norwegian Ambassador, former bureaucrat and diplomat Mohammed Jamir and Hasina's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad were present.
Emerging from the meeting Mohammad Jamir briefed journalists. "I am again demanding of the government to create a level playing field to ensure holding of a credible and acceptable election. Simultaneously I am also calling upon all the political parties to work together after the election. We all political parties will have to be united and work together in the greater interest of the country and its people specially on national issues like natural resources and food security," quoting Hasina Mohammad Jamir said.
He said Norwegian government assured Hasina that all sorts of cooperation would be provided to Bangladesh. "The Norwegian government recognized Bangladesh as an independent country in 1972 and since then they have continued to support Bangladesh. The Norwegian government has also assured that it would continue its assistance after the national parliament election," Mohammad Jamir said.
Talking to the reporters, Norwegian Ambassador hoped that the upcoming national parliament election of Bangladesh would be held in a free, fair and credible manner and electoral process would be absolutely transparent.
"We are also very much hopeful that the post-election situation will be peaceful. And through holding this general election good governance will be established in the country," the Norwegian Ambassador said.
Replying to a query whether emergency should be lifted or not before holding of the general election, Ingebjorg Stofring said it is an internal issue of Bangladesh. "I shall not make any comment on state of emergency as it is not my country's issue. It is an internal issue of Bangladesh," she said.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eid-ul-Azha tomorrow

Staff Correspondent

Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated in the country tomorrow (Tuesday) with due solemnity, sacrifice and traditional enthusiasm.
All concerned are making last minute preparations for the holy occasion to sacrifice cattle, sheep and goats commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's (A) willingness to sacrifice his son at the command of Almighty Allah.
President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages wishing the people peace and happiness on the occasion.
The main jamaat of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, will be held at the National Eidgah on the premises of the Supreme Court at 8.00 am on Tuesday.
According to Dhaka City Corporation press release, the Eid jamaat will be arranged under the supervision of the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh (IFB) while Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) will provide services like supplying water for ablution and setting up mobile toilets for the devotees at the National Eidgah on the Eid day. There will also be separate arrangement for women, diplomats and their spouses at the Eidgah. In case of inclement weather, the main jamaat will take place in the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 8.00 am, a IFB press release said. Five Eid jamaats will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 7.00 am, 8.00 am, 9.00 am, 10 am and 10:45 am respectively.
While National Eidgah on the Supreme Court precinct was being readied, DCC Mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka visited the spot and told reporters "There will be a capacity of praying by 1.25 lac people at the same time. Women will be able to offer prayers under the same Imam within drape. To ensure foolproof security additional law enforcers will be deployed in and around the Eidgah Maidan. "
Three-day Eid holiday will begin from today (Monday). Radio Bangladesh, Bangladesh Television and private channels will air special programmes and the national dailies have published special supplements highlighting the significance of the day.
Yesterday, the city dwellers were seen thronging cattle markets for buying sacrificial animals. Besides, they were busy completing their last minute shopping. Thousands of people still continue leaving the capital for village homes to celebrate the Eid with their near and dear ones. With the people leaving the capital in thousands for home, the city wears a derelict look.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the holy hajj was performed in Saudi Arabia in which more than two million Muslims from across the world, including Bangladesh, took part.
[justify]