Bhola Correspondent: Dhaka, Sept-18,

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the election is held under the Election Commission (EC), but not under the government.

"BNP leaders are issuing statements through series of meetings that they would not go for election under Awami League government. But, the election is held under the Election Commission, not under any government," he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a meeting marking the 29th death anniversary of former lawmaker Principal MM Nazrul Islam at Brajagopal Town Hall in Char Fasson Upazila of the district.

Lawmaker of Bhola-4 constituency Abdullah Al Islam Jakob addressed the discussion with Principal Nazrul Islam Foundation vice-chairman Principal Kaisar Ahmed Dulal in the chair.

Earlier, the minister reached Char Fasson by helicopter and placed a bouquet of flowers to the portrait of Bangabandhu as a mark of respect there. He also planted a tree sapling at the Sheik Russel Shishu Park marking the Mujib Year.

Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, said there is no benefit of seeing the dream of the caretaker government. No caretaker government will be formed with the inclusion of those persons who talk on the television screen after midnight, he added.

He said the administration officials are not under the government when the polls are held and their responsibility goes to the EC. The Election Commission conducts the polls independently, he added.

The government, he said, could not transfer anyone including deputy commissioner, police super, or upazila nirbahi officer. Everyone goes under the EC, he added.

About the ongoing development, the minister said the scenario of the country and the people as well have been changed. And the change has been possible only for the dynamic and farsighted leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he added.

He said the BNP leaders have told that the government could not construct the Padma Bridge. But, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has turned the myth into reality by constructing the bridge, he added.

"Now, I'm waiting to see when the BNP leaders will cross the river by their vehicles," said Hasan.

The minister said many people couldn't understand the meaning of 'Digital Bangladesh' in 2008. "But, now the 'Digital Bangladesh' is not a dream, rather it's a reality. Now people can make their transaction staying at home and students can fill up their admission forms from anywhere," he added.

Earlier, the minister exchanged views with journalists at lawmaker Jakob's house. Bhola press club president M Habibur Rahman was present there.

Later, Hasan visited different development works in the district.

Deputy Commissioner Md Towfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Police Super Sarker Md Kaiser, Upazila Parishad Chairman Jaynal Abedin Akhand, and Pouroshava Mayor Mohammad Morshed, among others, accompanied the minister.

End/Dct/Corr/Sma/