We feel happy for the chief adviser. The confidence he expressed during a briefing session with the Overseas Correspondents' Association of Bangladesh about the prospect of holding a fair election tn a peaceful atmosphere is indeed reassuring. The former chief justice with a fair share of literary gift has a»'so shown the steel In him. He has referred to the political parties' responsibilities in the smooth holding of the June 12 crucial polls. The political parties, the chief adviser rightly points out, have pledged to extend necessary cooperation ano' have no option to backtrack.

The reason behind his optimism about holding a universally acceptable election Is grounded in the spade-work done about it. The plan for deployment of 40,000 troops. Whose main function . will be to assist the law enforcers, certainly gives an idea about the caretaker government's attention to details. It is happy to know that the home ministry which Is under the chief adviser, will be responsible for coordination between and among the law enforcing agencies, including the army. The fear as expressed by som e quarters about the use of army for influencing polls should now be allayed.

The chief adviser has touched upon a number of delicate issues and at no poi'nt did he try to mince words. He is convinced tha? in no way the election momentum would be impeded. As a career judge he has naturally expressed the hope that the accused in the May 20 incident will receive a fair trial. The chief adviser is fully aware of the daunting task ahead of him. The path before him is not strewn with petals or roses but with thorns aplenty. Knowing full well the magnitude of his call of duty he agreed to be in the saddle. It is because of this he can declare that he has not come to run away. The man stands as a symbol of conviction and commitment

Now It Is our duty to let him know how firmly we all stand by him. In no circumstances should the chief adviser feel alone. We repose our full confidence in his ability to deliver the goods. The political parties which have at times accused him of lack of neutrality have only exposed their own limitations. The nation will be accused of ingratitude if it fails to appreciate his historic role.