THE EFFORT OF THE NON-PARTY CARETAKER GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE NINTH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 2008 IN BANGLADESH FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE

Abstract This study focuses the electoral reforms and the practical performances of the Non-party Caretaker Government in terms of its role to ensure that the ninth parliamentary elections be free, fair and credible. In Bangladesh, after Parliament had been dissolved, the constitutionally-mandated Non-party Caretaker Government was appointed to oversee the parliamentary elections, its main purpose being to assure free, free and credible democratic elections. Thus, the Non-party Caretaker Government (2007-2008) has undertaken an ambitious electoral reforms programme which includes reconstitution of the Bangladesh Election Commission, electoral law reform, voter registration with photographs and political party registration with Election Commission. In this study, I have analysed why the Non-party Caretaker Government has undertaken these electoral measure and how they have been applied in the electoral process. Besides, I have examined their influences on making the elections transparent and credible. It is found that collectively, these electoral measures have facilitated to create a more independent election management body, and provided the basic conditions for genuine elections, such as the right of political parties and candidates to participate, and a level playing field for conducting the campaigns. Moreover, this effort has made the ninth Parliamentary Elections more transparent and credible than previously held elections

Effect of grazing hour on growth performance of crossbred sheep from southwest coastal region of Bangladesh

Sheep are small ruminants that require small amounts of feed and can graze on poor-quality pastures, including fallow lands, roadsides, dikes and playgrounds. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the grazing length on growth performance of crossbred sheep in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. Sixteen crossbred female sheep were divided into four treatment groups and randomly allowed four different grazing periods. The experimental design was based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Lambs were initially weighed and grouped by keeping the average weight of the four treatment groups approximately the same. The grazing hours allocated to the four treatment groups were 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours, respectively. During this period, the sheep of particular treatment groups were housed when their allocated grazing period was completed. Empty body weight data were taken fortnightly in the morning before they were allowed to graze. The results revealed that body weight increased with increasing grazing length but the mean difference did not differ significantly (p>0.05). In most cases, the highest body weight was observed in sheep grazing for 12 hours per day. Average growth rates of grazing sheep varied significantly between the 6 to 8 hour and 10 to 12 hour grazing groups. But between the 6 to 8 hour grazing group and the 10 and 12 hour grazing group, the growth rate of crossbred sheep did not vary significantly (p>0.05). The growth rate (g day-1) of crossbred sheep ranged from 22.44±4.75 to 92.00±11.95, highest in 12 hour grazing group and lowest in 6 hour group. It can be concluded that the body weight and growth rate of crossbred sheep increased with an increase in grazing length. However, 10 hours of grazing meets the requirements for their maintenance and growth due to good pasture quality. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 104-107, June 202

In vitro Release Kinetics Study of Diltiazem Hydrochloride from Wax and Kollidon SR Based Matrix Tablets

Abstract Extended-release matrix tablets of diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ) were prepared using waxy materials alone or in combination with Kollidon SR. Matrix waxy materials were carnauba wax (CW), bees wax (BW), cetyl alcohol (CA) and glyceryl monostearate (GMS). Dissolution studies were carried out by using a six stations USP XXII type 1 apparatus. The in vitro drug release study was done in 1000 ml phosphate buffer of pH 6.8 for 12 h. Initial burst release was observed in case of waxy granules. Tablets prepared in combination of waxy granules and Kollidon SR sustained the drug release for more than 12 h. Addition of ludipress instead of Kollidon SR caused the drug release faster (for less than 12 h). Fitting the in vitro drug release data to Korsmeyer equation indicates that diffusion along with erosion could be the mechanism of drug release. Significant differences were found among the drug release profile from different polymeric matrices