Moeen accuses politicians

Moeen accuses politicians of trying to vex govt

Says it’s time to help flood victims, not for politics
Our Correspondent . Manikganj
August 5, 2007
New Age

The chief of army staff, General Moeen U Ahmed, Saturday accused the political parties of trying to embarrass the government by deliberately abstaining from flood relief activities.

‘The political parties have deliberately refrained from taking part in relief operations in the flood-affected areas in a bid to tarnish the image of the present government,’ he told a gathering after exchanging views with a cross-section of people at the deputy commissioner’s office in Manikganj.

Moeen said, ‘We do not have time for politics right now and relief operations have nothing to do with politics.’

'Please, forget about politics! We have had enough of politics in the last 36 years. Let us now stand by the affected people,’ he added. The army chief urged all to stand by the marooned people and help them by every possible means.

Gen Moeen said, ‘Only a handful of people have come to the aid of the flood-affected people. But I would like to see more people coming forward soon.’

He called upon people from all sections to build unity at the grassroots level to tackle the calamity and offer a helping hand to the people in distress.

Deputy commissioner Ataur Rahman, GOC of 9th infantry division Major Gen Md Ashabuddin, commander of local army camp Lt Col Fakhrul Ahsan, police super, high civil and military officials and NGO representatives were present at the meeting.

Earlier, Gen Moeen visited the flood-affected areas in Borongali, Jebra and Pencharkanda of the district and distributed relief materials among the flood victims.