Law and Information Adviser Mainul Hosein yesterday categorically said whatever risk is there the caretaker government will hold election by 2008 at any cost.

"The incumbent caretaker government has pledged to hold election by 2008 and the elections will be held in time. No matter the state of emergency will be in place or not," he told a press briefing at the information ministry.

The adviser said the state of emergency will not be a hindrance to holding the election.

"Politics that hampered the public live in the past is responsible for the promulgation of the state of emergency. Emergency was

FROM PAGE 16

required to do some tasks of the government like separation of the judiciary, establishing law and order, independence of anticorruption commission, and elimination of corruption," Mainul said.

The adviser reiterated that emergency is not mandatory for this government to sustain power and continue its activities.

Asked about price-hike of rice, he admitted it and said the caretaker government is also anxious about the price-hike of rice and other essentials. The government is trying to control it.

Mainul said investors' lack of interest in making investment is the main problem for increasing the prices of essentials. He said until the investors will be certain about the future political situation, they will not be interested in further investment in the country.

"Remarks and activities by politicians will give the investors an idea about the future government and politics of the country...Stable political situation could increase the investment," he said.

About politicians' demand for lifting the state of emergency, the adviser said, "Some politicians are giving hints at launching movement... Are they seeking permission from the government to go for movement in the name of indoor politics?”

Mainul said they are trying to reform politics to bring about moral change in politics. The government is not forcing the political parties to bring about the reforms.

The adviser said healthy politics is essential for development of the country and for that efficient leadership is also essential.

"I am trying to bring politics on right track and thus misunderstanding is being is being created about me," he said, admitting: "I talk too much as I have to look after four ministries and legal matters of other ministries."

About the autonomy of state owned BTV and Bangladesh Betar, he said the government is very much interested in this matter and trying to give autonomy to BTV and Bangladesh Betar.

Asked about the Election Commission's independence, he said the government has no hesitation to separate the secretariat of the Election Commission. The government will separate the commissions' secretariat from the prime minister's office.