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Interim regime denies control by the military

Haroon Habib

DHAKA: The chief of Bangladesh's military-backed interim Government, Fakhruddin Ahmed, has claimed that the military is not controlling administrative affairs but is only aiding the civil authorities.

"The military is certainly backing the Government but let me point out that this Government was sworn in under a provision of the Constitution of the country," Dr. Ahmed said in an interview with the BBC world service.

To a question whether he or the army is running the country, he said the military was working in aid of the civil administration under the prevailing law.

The High Court has admitted a writ petition challenging the legality of the caretaker Government as it has exceeded the mandated 90-day time-frame. The Government also gave a broad hint that the state of emergency might continue till the next elections.

He said the military was providing important services to the nation. The joint forces, which include police and members of other law enforcing agencies, help maintain law and order and combat crimes and corruption. Dr. Ahmed, however, said his Government was committed to restoring democracy by 2008.

Asked whether the Government has initiated a move to send the country's two major political leaders and former prime ministers — Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia — into exile, Dr. Ahmed said the Government had not made any such attempt.

Mr. Ahmed said Ms. Khaleda had been planning for some time to go to Saudi Arabia along with her family members to perform `umrah'. About Ms. Hasina, he said a temporary restriction was imposed on her return because of security concerns.

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