He told them to be guided by their conscience and intelligence, ignoring fear and intimidation, party influence or political opinion.

The chief adviser made the call while addressing civil and military officers of Barisal division at the local circuit house. This was his second meeting with the officials outside the capital after a similar meeting in Chittagong on February 27.

Fakhruddin said time and opportunity have now come to restore the tradition of the government officials as the employees of the republic. He assured them that they would not face any problem in carrying out their duties neutrally.

He said whatever be the reasons, employees of the republic had become controversial in the past. "The employees of the republic are the public servants whose main objective is to serve the people."

About holding the general elections, the chief adviser said the government has been implementing some reforms like reconstitution of the Election Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission to create a congenial atmosphere for free, fair and credible polls so that honest and competent persons feel encouraged to participate in the elections.

The reforms being implemented are aimed at keeping up the economic activities smoothly for the benefit of the common people, he told the officials.

About the current anti-corruption drive, Fakhruddin said the government is committed to curb corruption and its main task is to eliminate or reduce the level of corruption. He sought cooperation from all government officials to carry forward the drive.

Fakhruddin said corruption is not confined to any specific sector or any specific group of the population; rather it has spread to many areas affecting the common people's life.

About commodity price hike, he said the government wants to keep the prices of commodities at a tolerable level, which is now urgent.

He, however, said the government does not control the prices of commodities, as it is done in many other countries. But the government has to take steps to keep the prices stable at a certain level.

Fakhruddin said running business by the government is difficult and the government cannot benefit out of it, rather it incurs losses.

He said the government officials and law enforcement agencies have to remain alert so the honest businessmen are not subject to unnecessary harassment.

About recovery of government land from illegal possessions and demolition of illegal establishments, the chief adviser urged the officials to take care so that people do not suffer or harassed during the drive.

He also urged the officials to work out a plan for best utilisation of the recovered land so that these cannot be grabbed again.

The chief adviser emphasised that all government offices, particularly the utility service providing sectors, should function as the people's service centers.

About power crisis, he said some issues like electricity might cause temporary problem but action will have to be taken to keep it at an acceptable level.

Fakhruddin also urged the officials, particularly the field level officials, to inform people of the problems as well as the government's action for their remedy.

He said shortage of food due to fertiliser crisis should not be allowed to take place in the country. There should be anticipatory measures for proper distribution of fertiliser among farmers, maintaining coordination at all concerned levels.

Deputy commissioners, police supers, army area commanders and senior civil and military officials were present at the meeting.

MEETING WITH ELITE
The chief adviser later at an opinion-exchange meeting with local elite said his caretaker government wouldn't take any decision that affects the common people but asserted that those who made their fortunes illegally should suffer.

"People's overall welfare is the yardstick of government's activities," he said.

In an oblique reference to corruption and the grabbing of government lands, the head of interim caretaker government questioned how wrongdoings of 20 years could be justified if somebody is up looking for logic behind the government's action.

Responding to the speakers' suggestions, demands, problems and appreciation of government's steps, Fakhruddin said his government would not shy away from taking long- term steps, particularly in economic sector, for welfare of the people.

The CA said the government is making effort relentlessly to establish a democratic social system, the rule of law and corruption-free society. And "our final objective is to hold a free, fair, transparent and credible election".

The local elite at the meeting placed some demands, including construction of Mawa bridge, extension of time for keeping shop open till 8:00pm, and rehabilitation of evicted small traders and slum people.

Among those who spoke at the meeting were city Mayor Mojibur Rahman Sarwar, Barisal Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ebadul Huq Chand, Vice-chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University Abdul Latif Masum, Barisal Press Club General Secretary Murad Ahmed, freedom fighter Mohiuddin Manik and Rahima Sultana Kajol of an NGO.