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Thursday, September 25, 2008
Help save life of Saiful
Students and teachers of mass communication and journalism department of Dhaka Uni-versity have urged all to extend financial assistance for the treatment of Saiful Samin, a fourth year student who lost both of his legs in a tragic train accident in June.
The accident took place in Tejgaon area in the city on June 20 when Saiful, who also works with the Prothom Alo, went there to collect information for his report.
He is now undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation. A huge amount of money is needed for the treatment of the meritorious students.
Chairman of the journalism department Prof Sheikh Abdus Salam has appealed to all to extend a helping hand.
The academic committee of the department has opened a bank account for the purpose. Contributions can be sent to Account No. 12100404968, Sonali Bank, Dhaka University Branch.
The accident took place in Tejgaon area in the city on June 20 when Saiful, who also works with the Prothom Alo, went there to collect information for his report.
He is now undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation. A huge amount of money is needed for the treatment of the meritorious students.
Chairman of the journalism department Prof Sheikh Abdus Salam has appealed to all to extend a helping hand.
The academic committee of the department has opened a bank account for the purpose. Contributions can be sent to Account No. 12100404968, Sonali Bank, Dhaka University Branch.
Gas price hike move opposed strongly
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) yesterday held its first public hearing on the proposed gas price hike up to 65 percent amid strong opposition from businesspeople and consumers.
Stakeholders and representatives of different trade bodies, chambers and Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), who attended the hearing, said the hike would further increase prices of food items. Business people also pointed out that hiking gas prices would double the cost of business.
BERC Chairman Ghulam Rahman and four BERC members were in the judges' panel of the daylong hearing held at the commission's office.
After the hearing former Bangladesh Textile Mills Association president MA Matin, who represented the organisation at the hearing, said the proposed increase in gas prices would definitely hamper investment growth in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
"The cost of doing business will double if the proposed gas price hike is implemented. The government cannot increase gas prices abnormally since distributing companies can hardly maintain the required supply of gas for smooth running of industrial units," he said.
He, however, said since Petrobangla, the state-owned oil, gas and mineral exploration corporation, has been languishing for making profit over the years, the BERC can propose raise in gas prices to a reasonable level.
Terming the proposed gas price hike abnormal, MA Matin, also managing director of Malek Spinning Mill, said the proposal for increasing gas prices more than 72 percent for captive power plants is discriminatory.
Petrobangla proposed increasing gas prices for commercial users by 26.08 percent, meaning that per-unit (1,000 cubic feet or 1 mcf) price of gas will go up to Tk 291.59 from the existing Tk 233.12.
Earlier, Petrobangla Chairman Jalal Ahmed said in the proposal that his organisation's cumulative deficit on account of undercut gas supply to international oil companies is about Tk 2,000 crore.
"If we do not raise gas prices, Petrobangla will have to go bankrupt soon, which will ultimately make it unable to go for further exploration," he had said to justify the merit of the government move.
During his expression of opinions as an independent expertise at the hearing, Prof Nurul Islam of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) strongly supported the proposed hike.
"There is no way but to increase gas prices for minimising the losses of Petrobangla," he said.
He hinted at the lack of transparency in gas distribution by some companies to make a windfall profit. "I firmly believe that smooth supply of gas can be ensured by increasing the price of this natural resource," he said.
Opposing the hike proposal, representatives of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CAB, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation said the prices of foodstuffs would go up again in local markets as the prices of agri-inputs would also go up following the gas price hike.
"As a result, the country's food security will be at a crossroads. So, the price hike should be at a rational level," the representative of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said at the hearing. He expressed concern that stagflation and increase of urban poverty would stem from hiked gas prices.
The representative from the state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) also said a fresh price hike of gas would seriously hamper power development.
Earlier, in its proposal submitted to the BERC on June 23, Petrobangla suggested a variable price hike for its different categories of consumers, the average hike being 65 percent.
Petrobangla suggested raising the price to Tk 600 for domestic consumers from the existing Tk 400 for a double-burner oven and Tk 550 for a single-burner oven against the present rate of Tk 350. The rise in this case is 50 percent.
Domestic consumers using meters will have to pay Tk 208 instead of Tk 130 with an increase of 26.81 percent.
For industrial consumers, the proposed per-unit price of gas is Tk 182.25, a 23.03 percent raise over the present rate of Tk 148.13. The same rate will apply to tea-estates.
For captive power plants, the proposed rate is Tk 182.25 per unit, a 72.60 percent increase from the present Tk 105.59.
Petrobangla proposed Tk 93.73 per unit for the PDB, independent power producers, and small power plants instead of Tk 73.91, raising the gas price by 26.81 percent.
For fertiliser industries, Tk 93.73 has been proposed with an increase of 47.81 percent from the present Tk 63.41 per unit gas.
Concluding the hearing, the BERC will announce its final decision by October 30 through an official order to Petrobangla.
BERC Chairman Ghulam Rahman said the BERC would keep records of all pre- and post-hearing public opinions until October 6 and that public opinions would be received during this stipulated timeframe.
Stakeholders and representatives of different trade bodies, chambers and Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), who attended the hearing, said the hike would further increase prices of food items. Business people also pointed out that hiking gas prices would double the cost of business.
BERC Chairman Ghulam Rahman and four BERC members were in the judges' panel of the daylong hearing held at the commission's office.
After the hearing former Bangladesh Textile Mills Association president MA Matin, who represented the organisation at the hearing, said the proposed increase in gas prices would definitely hamper investment growth in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
"The cost of doing business will double if the proposed gas price hike is implemented. The government cannot increase gas prices abnormally since distributing companies can hardly maintain the required supply of gas for smooth running of industrial units," he said.
He, however, said since Petrobangla, the state-owned oil, gas and mineral exploration corporation, has been languishing for making profit over the years, the BERC can propose raise in gas prices to a reasonable level.
Terming the proposed gas price hike abnormal, MA Matin, also managing director of Malek Spinning Mill, said the proposal for increasing gas prices more than 72 percent for captive power plants is discriminatory.
Petrobangla proposed increasing gas prices for commercial users by 26.08 percent, meaning that per-unit (1,000 cubic feet or 1 mcf) price of gas will go up to Tk 291.59 from the existing Tk 233.12.
Earlier, Petrobangla Chairman Jalal Ahmed said in the proposal that his organisation's cumulative deficit on account of undercut gas supply to international oil companies is about Tk 2,000 crore.
"If we do not raise gas prices, Petrobangla will have to go bankrupt soon, which will ultimately make it unable to go for further exploration," he had said to justify the merit of the government move.
During his expression of opinions as an independent expertise at the hearing, Prof Nurul Islam of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) strongly supported the proposed hike.
"There is no way but to increase gas prices for minimising the losses of Petrobangla," he said.
He hinted at the lack of transparency in gas distribution by some companies to make a windfall profit. "I firmly believe that smooth supply of gas can be ensured by increasing the price of this natural resource," he said.
Opposing the hike proposal, representatives of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CAB, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation said the prices of foodstuffs would go up again in local markets as the prices of agri-inputs would also go up following the gas price hike.
"As a result, the country's food security will be at a crossroads. So, the price hike should be at a rational level," the representative of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said at the hearing. He expressed concern that stagflation and increase of urban poverty would stem from hiked gas prices.
The representative from the state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) also said a fresh price hike of gas would seriously hamper power development.
Earlier, in its proposal submitted to the BERC on June 23, Petrobangla suggested a variable price hike for its different categories of consumers, the average hike being 65 percent.
Petrobangla suggested raising the price to Tk 600 for domestic consumers from the existing Tk 400 for a double-burner oven and Tk 550 for a single-burner oven against the present rate of Tk 350. The rise in this case is 50 percent.
Domestic consumers using meters will have to pay Tk 208 instead of Tk 130 with an increase of 26.81 percent.
For industrial consumers, the proposed per-unit price of gas is Tk 182.25, a 23.03 percent raise over the present rate of Tk 148.13. The same rate will apply to tea-estates.
For captive power plants, the proposed rate is Tk 182.25 per unit, a 72.60 percent increase from the present Tk 105.59.
Petrobangla proposed Tk 93.73 per unit for the PDB, independent power producers, and small power plants instead of Tk 73.91, raising the gas price by 26.81 percent.
For fertiliser industries, Tk 93.73 has been proposed with an increase of 47.81 percent from the present Tk 63.41 per unit gas.
Concluding the hearing, the BERC will announce its final decision by October 30 through an official order to Petrobangla.
BERC Chairman Ghulam Rahman said the BERC would keep records of all pre- and post-hearing public opinions until October 6 and that public opinions would be received during this stipulated timeframe.
DU Eid, Puja vacation from today
The vacation at Dhaka University (DU) on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and Durga Puja will start today.
All the departments and administrative offices of the university will also remain closed between September 27 and October 5.
The university will open on October 18.
All the departments and administrative offices of the university will also remain closed between September 27 and October 5.
The university will open on October 18.
Broadband debate heats up
Should Bangladesh adopt WiMax technology to spread broadband data transmission facility now, or should it be 3GSM technology? Or maybe Bangladesh should wait a few more months to see if Long Term Evolution (LTE) is making a significant jump in broadband worldwide.
These are some debating points for information technology (IT) experts now. The debate is being fuelled by the Bangladesh Telecommunic-ation Regulatory Commission (BTRC), which floated an auction yesterday to award licences for WiMax technology operation in the country.
The BTRC's tilt to WiMax is in line with 19 other countries that introduced the technology in the recent years. WiMax is still undergoing major evolution. South Korea and Pakistan aside, it is yet to become a dominant technology in any nation. Pakistan is the only country that provides fully functional WiMax coverage. It has also been introduced in India.
Supporters of WiMax say it is now the heavyweight wireless data transmission technology in the market and much superior to 3GSM and more 'evolved' than the newly introduced GSM line of technology named LTE.
Rivals supporting GSM technology say WiMax is not a standardised technology like the GSM; it is very 'single vendor' focussed (all parts of a network set may be manufactured by a single vendor whereas, GSM allows multiple vendors) and it is costly and may take many years to implement.
They argue, the 3G technology that proudly runs 200 networks worldwide can be implemented in six to eight months because all it needs are changes in some hardware of the country's GSM-based mobile telecom network. The cost of upgrading to 3G in Bangladesh will be minimal and for a poor country like Bangladesh, it would mean, customers will not be burdened by high costs.
"WiMax licensing can turn fruitless because of the cost factors. The licences will block precious spectrum and thus hinder implementation of other technologies like LTE for broadband," says an IT expert working for a leading cellular technology company.
A third view about this subject comes from another IT consultant who provides infrastructure support to telecom companies. "WiMax and LTE are in the same footing -- not WiMax and 3G. That’s why, after obtaining multibillion-dollar licensing for 3G many operators in Europe did not go for complete 3G implementation," he said.
"In that light, the BTRC should have really waited until January-February before floating the auction. By that time, the industry expects some major developments worth waiting for," he pointed.
LTE is expected to be a fully ratified standard by the end of this year, with trials occurring in 2009 and deployments in late 2009 or 2010 offering mobile data rates of up to 170Mbps, says a telecom report by Frost and Sullivan Market Insight.
Experts say it is not yet clear whether it is LTE or WiMax that will be the dominant technology like GSM versus CDMA. "Which technology will flourish more will depend on the handset manufacturers," said the IT consultant. "I believe in WiMax because it's being applied in 19 countries while LTE has not been implemented yet."
But the LTE, which is much newer than WiMax, is getting a lot of market incentives. Telecom companies like AT&T and Verizon earlier this year announced LTE deployment. Major market players such as Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, NEC, NextWave Wireless, Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks and Sony Ericsson have joined hands to deal with various aspects of LTE. WiMax is also facing challenges from the popular Wi-Fi technology, which now has a 100-kilometre range.
WiMax handles a huge data transfer that the 3G technology cannot. This means, for an example, WiMax can deliver smooth digital television broadcast in mobile phone, which the 3G cannot.
IT and cellphone players worldwide believe that the future mobile phone market will be demanding a huge data transfer. Mobile phones will act as the communicator, video broadcaster, entertainer and provider of any other everyday services. Hence the debate: Should we choose WiMax or should we follow the GSM path?
GSM technology has made mobile phone cheap and popular and its domination in mobile market is clear. The popularity of GSM was caused by freedom of phone users to use any handset they like (or phone companies using a host of devices not necessarily manufactured by a single company), prompting competition and quality.
Developed internationally by the WiMax Forum, WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) provides broadband speed without the requirement of cables in 50-km area. WiMax technology in cellphones was standardised two years ago.
The top mobile WiMax players include SK Telecom and KT of Korea, BT and France Telecom of Europe, Sprint Nextel of US and KDDI of Japan.
These are some debating points for information technology (IT) experts now. The debate is being fuelled by the Bangladesh Telecommunic-ation Regulatory Commission (BTRC), which floated an auction yesterday to award licences for WiMax technology operation in the country.
The BTRC's tilt to WiMax is in line with 19 other countries that introduced the technology in the recent years. WiMax is still undergoing major evolution. South Korea and Pakistan aside, it is yet to become a dominant technology in any nation. Pakistan is the only country that provides fully functional WiMax coverage. It has also been introduced in India.
Supporters of WiMax say it is now the heavyweight wireless data transmission technology in the market and much superior to 3GSM and more 'evolved' than the newly introduced GSM line of technology named LTE.
Rivals supporting GSM technology say WiMax is not a standardised technology like the GSM; it is very 'single vendor' focussed (all parts of a network set may be manufactured by a single vendor whereas, GSM allows multiple vendors) and it is costly and may take many years to implement.
They argue, the 3G technology that proudly runs 200 networks worldwide can be implemented in six to eight months because all it needs are changes in some hardware of the country's GSM-based mobile telecom network. The cost of upgrading to 3G in Bangladesh will be minimal and for a poor country like Bangladesh, it would mean, customers will not be burdened by high costs.
"WiMax licensing can turn fruitless because of the cost factors. The licences will block precious spectrum and thus hinder implementation of other technologies like LTE for broadband," says an IT expert working for a leading cellular technology company.
A third view about this subject comes from another IT consultant who provides infrastructure support to telecom companies. "WiMax and LTE are in the same footing -- not WiMax and 3G. That’s why, after obtaining multibillion-dollar licensing for 3G many operators in Europe did not go for complete 3G implementation," he said.
"In that light, the BTRC should have really waited until January-February before floating the auction. By that time, the industry expects some major developments worth waiting for," he pointed.
LTE is expected to be a fully ratified standard by the end of this year, with trials occurring in 2009 and deployments in late 2009 or 2010 offering mobile data rates of up to 170Mbps, says a telecom report by Frost and Sullivan Market Insight.
Experts say it is not yet clear whether it is LTE or WiMax that will be the dominant technology like GSM versus CDMA. "Which technology will flourish more will depend on the handset manufacturers," said the IT consultant. "I believe in WiMax because it's being applied in 19 countries while LTE has not been implemented yet."
But the LTE, which is much newer than WiMax, is getting a lot of market incentives. Telecom companies like AT&T and Verizon earlier this year announced LTE deployment. Major market players such as Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, NEC, NextWave Wireless, Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks and Sony Ericsson have joined hands to deal with various aspects of LTE. WiMax is also facing challenges from the popular Wi-Fi technology, which now has a 100-kilometre range.
WiMax handles a huge data transfer that the 3G technology cannot. This means, for an example, WiMax can deliver smooth digital television broadcast in mobile phone, which the 3G cannot.
IT and cellphone players worldwide believe that the future mobile phone market will be demanding a huge data transfer. Mobile phones will act as the communicator, video broadcaster, entertainer and provider of any other everyday services. Hence the debate: Should we choose WiMax or should we follow the GSM path?
GSM technology has made mobile phone cheap and popular and its domination in mobile market is clear. The popularity of GSM was caused by freedom of phone users to use any handset they like (or phone companies using a host of devices not necessarily manufactured by a single company), prompting competition and quality.
Developed internationally by the WiMax Forum, WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) provides broadband speed without the requirement of cables in 50-km area. WiMax technology in cellphones was standardised two years ago.
The top mobile WiMax players include SK Telecom and KT of Korea, BT and France Telecom of Europe, Sprint Nextel of US and KDDI of Japan.
Hasina to sit with Khaleda anytime, anywhere
Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina agreed to sit with her political archrival BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia "anytime, anywhere" for the greater interest of the country if BNP admits to its wrongdoings during its last tenure in power.
In an email addressed to the nation and sent to the email account of a senior AL leader, she said her stance on the proposed talks between herself and Khaleda needed to be clarified. She said, "As discussions have been going on about a meeting between Khaleda Zia and me, I think my stance in this regard should be revealed to the people."
"Under the circumstances, I want to firmly say that I have no objection to any dialogue held in the greater interest of the country. I am ready to sit with anyone anywhere. But a dialogue without a specific issue or objective has the potential to create fresh problems or crises in the country," sources said quoting her as saying in the email.
AL, however, did not make public the email received a few days ago. Only a few senior AL leaders knew about the email. Surprisingly, a number of senior AL leaders including Presidium member Amir Hossain Amu termed the letter a rumour.
A senior AL Presidium member, having close ties to the party chief, read the email to The Daily Star.
AL Presidium member Suranjit Sengupta confirmed reporters about the email and said the AL chief does not think that bringing the two leaders to a single table would be easy.
Hasina said she does not want to be involved in a process that misleads people. She neither wants to be in a dialogue which is not meant for the country's welfare.
"My apprehension is that the dialogue has been proposed so that the blame for one's [Khaleda's] failures could be equally shared by two leaders. The dialogue may attempt to weigh a successful, competent and pro-people government with a dishonest, corrupt and incompetent one [BNP-Jamaat alliance government] on the same scale," she said.
She said she believes that a cordial relationship could be achieved if Khaleda retreats from the path of mistakes and ousts from her party the people who were involved in killing AL men.
Hasina claimed that BNP, assuming power in 2001, tortured and repressed hundreds of AL leaders. She claimed BNP men killed many including Shah AMS Kibria and Ahsanullah Master. She blamed BNP for the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on an AL rally on Bangabandhu Avenue, which was also an attempt on her life.
"If BNP does not rectify itself, I will have to exchange courtesy at the dialogue with those who killed Kibria, Ahsanullah Master and Ivy Rahman and tried to kill me," the AL president said expressing doubt about how cordial the dialogue would be.
"It has been indicated in the proposal for the dialogue that there is something that can be solved through talks between the two leaders, but I could not find any such thing," she said.
She said high price of essentials and stagnation in foreign investment are the main problems of the country and the government would have to act accordingly to solve the crises. She said a free, fair and credible election is necessary in the country as soon as possible.
It would not be right to shift the blame on two leaders or two parties, she said, adding, "The disorder created by the Anti-Corruption Commission has to be considered."
About her personal relationship with the Zia family, she said she served Tarique Rahman fried fish with her own hands when he came to her home to invite her to his wedding.
The AL chief said she did not get involved in politics for power. "When I assumed power in 1996, I urged BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to work together. Had she [Khaleda] responded to that call, we could have had an episode where the country is run based on consensus between the ruling and opposition parties."
In an email addressed to the nation and sent to the email account of a senior AL leader, she said her stance on the proposed talks between herself and Khaleda needed to be clarified. She said, "As discussions have been going on about a meeting between Khaleda Zia and me, I think my stance in this regard should be revealed to the people."
"Under the circumstances, I want to firmly say that I have no objection to any dialogue held in the greater interest of the country. I am ready to sit with anyone anywhere. But a dialogue without a specific issue or objective has the potential to create fresh problems or crises in the country," sources said quoting her as saying in the email.
AL, however, did not make public the email received a few days ago. Only a few senior AL leaders knew about the email. Surprisingly, a number of senior AL leaders including Presidium member Amir Hossain Amu termed the letter a rumour.
A senior AL Presidium member, having close ties to the party chief, read the email to The Daily Star.
AL Presidium member Suranjit Sengupta confirmed reporters about the email and said the AL chief does not think that bringing the two leaders to a single table would be easy.
Hasina said she does not want to be involved in a process that misleads people. She neither wants to be in a dialogue which is not meant for the country's welfare.
"My apprehension is that the dialogue has been proposed so that the blame for one's [Khaleda's] failures could be equally shared by two leaders. The dialogue may attempt to weigh a successful, competent and pro-people government with a dishonest, corrupt and incompetent one [BNP-Jamaat alliance government] on the same scale," she said.
She said she believes that a cordial relationship could be achieved if Khaleda retreats from the path of mistakes and ousts from her party the people who were involved in killing AL men.
Hasina claimed that BNP, assuming power in 2001, tortured and repressed hundreds of AL leaders. She claimed BNP men killed many including Shah AMS Kibria and Ahsanullah Master. She blamed BNP for the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on an AL rally on Bangabandhu Avenue, which was also an attempt on her life.
"If BNP does not rectify itself, I will have to exchange courtesy at the dialogue with those who killed Kibria, Ahsanullah Master and Ivy Rahman and tried to kill me," the AL president said expressing doubt about how cordial the dialogue would be.
"It has been indicated in the proposal for the dialogue that there is something that can be solved through talks between the two leaders, but I could not find any such thing," she said.
She said high price of essentials and stagnation in foreign investment are the main problems of the country and the government would have to act accordingly to solve the crises. She said a free, fair and credible election is necessary in the country as soon as possible.
It would not be right to shift the blame on two leaders or two parties, she said, adding, "The disorder created by the Anti-Corruption Commission has to be considered."
About her personal relationship with the Zia family, she said she served Tarique Rahman fried fish with her own hands when he came to her home to invite her to his wedding.
The AL chief said she did not get involved in politics for power. "When I assumed power in 1996, I urged BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to work together. Had she [Khaleda] responded to that call, we could have had an episode where the country is run based on consensus between the ruling and opposition parties."
GP teams up with post office
Grameenphone yesterday sealed a deal with the postal department to boost its revenue by going deeper in rural areas through the postmen working in about 8,300 postal branches.
Under the agreement, the largest cell phone operator will provide 24,000 SIM cards, having the benefit of Flexiload and public phone, for the postmen enabling them offer recharge, local and overseas calling services to the people in remote areas.
The new service will come into effect from November.
GP and Bangladesh Post Office (BPO) said the deal would supplement the income of low-paid runners, as they will enjoy the difference after paying about Tk 1 as charge for every minute of call if the rate is Tk 2.
The commission for recharge will be determined time to time on the basis of market rate. At present, GP offers about 2.75 percent commission to the Flexiload service providers.
While the BPO will get 5 percent of the revenue generated through the process, according to officials.
“We believe this public and private partnership will usher in another dimension to the services in rural areas,” GP Chief Executive Officer Anders Jensen said after signing the agreement with the BPO at The Westin, Dhaka.
The other signatory was BPO Director General Mobasherur Rahman. The BPO had earlier also inked a number of deals with some local and foreign banks to deliver remittances.
Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Brig Gen MA Malek (retd), Posts and Telecommunications Secretary Iqbal Mahmud and GP Director for Public Relations Syed Yamin Bakht were present among others at the programme.
The cell phone operator, which enjoys the highest number of subscribers at about 21 million till August, has over 70 percent users in cities and district towns.
“The BPO would consider transferring money by mobile phone in future,”said Brig Gen MA Malek at the signing ceremony.
At present, the BPO has about 40,000 employees, majority of which are postmen. Of them, runners providing services in the rural areas receive an honorarium of about Tk 750 a month.
Under the agreement, the largest cell phone operator will provide 24,000 SIM cards, having the benefit of Flexiload and public phone, for the postmen enabling them offer recharge, local and overseas calling services to the people in remote areas.
The new service will come into effect from November.
GP and Bangladesh Post Office (BPO) said the deal would supplement the income of low-paid runners, as they will enjoy the difference after paying about Tk 1 as charge for every minute of call if the rate is Tk 2.
The commission for recharge will be determined time to time on the basis of market rate. At present, GP offers about 2.75 percent commission to the Flexiload service providers.
While the BPO will get 5 percent of the revenue generated through the process, according to officials.
“We believe this public and private partnership will usher in another dimension to the services in rural areas,” GP Chief Executive Officer Anders Jensen said after signing the agreement with the BPO at The Westin, Dhaka.
The other signatory was BPO Director General Mobasherur Rahman. The BPO had earlier also inked a number of deals with some local and foreign banks to deliver remittances.
Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Brig Gen MA Malek (retd), Posts and Telecommunications Secretary Iqbal Mahmud and GP Director for Public Relations Syed Yamin Bakht were present among others at the programme.
The cell phone operator, which enjoys the highest number of subscribers at about 21 million till August, has over 70 percent users in cities and district towns.
“The BPO would consider transferring money by mobile phone in future,”said Brig Gen MA Malek at the signing ceremony.
At present, the BPO has about 40,000 employees, majority of which are postmen. Of them, runners providing services in the rural areas receive an honorarium of about Tk 750 a month.
GP extends time for private placement
Grameenphone, the country's largest mobile phone operator, has extended the deadline for local institutional investors to participate in its private placement offering (PPO).
“Local institutional investors need to be given adequate time to do due diligence and allocate funds for the bidding,” Grameenphone quoted its CEO Anders Jensen as saying in a statement.
“We are working with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to expedite the matter,” Jensen said.
Grameenphone however did not specify any new deadline for the PPO.
"Under the current challenging global capital market conditions in which international investors are hesitant to commit to new investments, it is important to ensure that potential investors in Grameenphone are given adequate time to make investment decisions," the statement said.
Capital market insiders said Grameenphone extended the time for participating in PPO as the offer received poor response from the local institutional investors.
People close to the matter said only a handful local institutions -- including Trust Bank, Prime Bank, ICB, AIMS of Bangladesh, IDLC and Lanka Bangla -- participated in Grameenphone's PPO before its deadline ended last week.
The highest offer for each Grameenphone share during the PPO was Tk 12, while the lowest was Tk 3.
The Grameenphone PPO is scheduled to take place ahead of its planned initial public offering (IPO).
“The shareholders of Grameenphone remain committed to the IPO, development of the Bangladesh capital market and share Grameenphone's success with its future shareholders,” the press release said, quoting the Grameenphone CEO.
“Local institutional investors need to be given adequate time to do due diligence and allocate funds for the bidding,” Grameenphone quoted its CEO Anders Jensen as saying in a statement.
“We are working with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to expedite the matter,” Jensen said.
Grameenphone however did not specify any new deadline for the PPO.
"Under the current challenging global capital market conditions in which international investors are hesitant to commit to new investments, it is important to ensure that potential investors in Grameenphone are given adequate time to make investment decisions," the statement said.
Capital market insiders said Grameenphone extended the time for participating in PPO as the offer received poor response from the local institutional investors.
People close to the matter said only a handful local institutions -- including Trust Bank, Prime Bank, ICB, AIMS of Bangladesh, IDLC and Lanka Bangla -- participated in Grameenphone's PPO before its deadline ended last week.
The highest offer for each Grameenphone share during the PPO was Tk 12, while the lowest was Tk 3.
The Grameenphone PPO is scheduled to take place ahead of its planned initial public offering (IPO).
“The shareholders of Grameenphone remain committed to the IPO, development of the Bangladesh capital market and share Grameenphone's success with its future shareholders,” the press release said, quoting the Grameenphone CEO.
3 injured in Barapukuria mine fire
A fire inside Barapukuria coal mine Tuesday night left two miners including a Chinese national seriously injured.
The fire originated from an electrical short circuit, Barapukuria Coal Mine Company Ltd (BCMCL) sources said.
The injured were identified as Sultan Mahmud, 28, and Hu Chong Ziang of XMC. Sultan's state is critical as almost 70 percent of his body was burnt, family sources and fellow miners said. The right part of Hu Chong's body was burnt in the fire, according to BCMCL sources.
Sources said both the injured were sent to Dhaka early Wednesday as their conditions were critical. BCMCL official said all necessary actions have been taken for their treatment.
Miners were mining in Phase-1104 around 11:45pm Tuesday and at the same time a number of Bangladeshi and Chinese workers were repairing an electric wire on the wall of Phase-1104. Suddenly the wire caught fire and burnt the two workers.
BCMCL officials told The Daily Star that a few thousand metres of electric cables are down there and the short-circuit incident was a major one.
Sources said the authorities are likely to start the fire investigation today as Bangladeshi and Chinese workforces in the mine are blaming each other for the incident.
The fire originated from an electrical short circuit, Barapukuria Coal Mine Company Ltd (BCMCL) sources said.
The injured were identified as Sultan Mahmud, 28, and Hu Chong Ziang of XMC. Sultan's state is critical as almost 70 percent of his body was burnt, family sources and fellow miners said. The right part of Hu Chong's body was burnt in the fire, according to BCMCL sources.
Sources said both the injured were sent to Dhaka early Wednesday as their conditions were critical. BCMCL official said all necessary actions have been taken for their treatment.
Miners were mining in Phase-1104 around 11:45pm Tuesday and at the same time a number of Bangladeshi and Chinese workers were repairing an electric wire on the wall of Phase-1104. Suddenly the wire caught fire and burnt the two workers.
BCMCL officials told The Daily Star that a few thousand metres of electric cables are down there and the short-circuit incident was a major one.
Sources said the authorities are likely to start the fire investigation today as Bangladeshi and Chinese workforces in the mine are blaming each other for the incident.
Cut in land registration fee suggested
Regulatory Reform Commission (RRC) yesterday approved its taskforce's recommendations regarding digitisation of land records and land registration system and suggested that the land registration fees be reduced.
The high-powered government committee on "Modernised Land Management and Registration", formed on February 12 and headed by former adviser to the caretaker government Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, submitted its recommendations to the RRC meeting yesterday.
The RRC meeting approved the recommendations with some additional suggestions. Now the recommendations will be placed before the cabinet committee following the approval of the Chief Adviser's Office.
As the present tax rate is high and it promotes corruption, the RRC members suggested that the taskforce to revise and reduce the land registration tariffs.
The taskforce recommended digitisation of the country's entire land records and turning district administration offices into monitoring bodies from its present role of service provider to ensure transparency and reduce corruption.
The five-member taskforce said a commission should be formed comprising government and non-government experts to spearhead modernisation of records and land registration system.
But the RRC differed from the view put forward by the taskforce about forming a commission. It suggested that a committee be formed comprised of government, non-government and representatives from business communities in digitisation of land records and registration system.
The high-powered government committee on "Modernised Land Management and Registration", formed on February 12 and headed by former adviser to the caretaker government Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, submitted its recommendations to the RRC meeting yesterday.
The RRC meeting approved the recommendations with some additional suggestions. Now the recommendations will be placed before the cabinet committee following the approval of the Chief Adviser's Office.
As the present tax rate is high and it promotes corruption, the RRC members suggested that the taskforce to revise and reduce the land registration tariffs.
The taskforce recommended digitisation of the country's entire land records and turning district administration offices into monitoring bodies from its present role of service provider to ensure transparency and reduce corruption.
The five-member taskforce said a commission should be formed comprising government and non-government experts to spearhead modernisation of records and land registration system.
But the RRC differed from the view put forward by the taskforce about forming a commission. It suggested that a committee be formed comprised of government, non-government and representatives from business communities in digitisation of land records and registration system.
Transparent ballot boxes start to arrive
The Election Commission (EC) yesterday received the first consignment of transparent ballot boxes and soon started sending those to some district election offices in Dhaka division.
Around 36,000 ballot boxes of the latest brand, out of some 2.40 lakh sought for a massive voting fray in a new context, reached the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Kamalapur in the capital yesterday.
These imports are going to be used--for the first time in Bangladesh--for polling in the parliamentary elections scheduled for December 18, closely followed by upazila polls on December 24 and 28.
EC Joint Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam and Deputy Election Commissioner for Dhaka Division Biswas Lutfar Rahman received the consignment on behalf of the commission in the morning. And, in no time, the EC officials began sending 17,000 boxes to the election offices.
EC sources said these transparent ballot boxes are being brought from abroad by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), financed by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), under a recipe meant for the country's democratic development.
The UN agency was also involved in the preparation of the new digitised photo voter list under a reform scheme undertaken following the past crisis over the issues of general election that was eventually cancelled in January last year.
Rafiqul Islam said the remaining ballot boxes will arrive by October 30.
Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhwat Hossain yesterday told reporters that one trainer from Canada would conduct a training programme for one hour with 30 people to teach them how to use the transparent ballot boxes.
Around 36,000 ballot boxes of the latest brand, out of some 2.40 lakh sought for a massive voting fray in a new context, reached the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Kamalapur in the capital yesterday.
These imports are going to be used--for the first time in Bangladesh--for polling in the parliamentary elections scheduled for December 18, closely followed by upazila polls on December 24 and 28.
EC Joint Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam and Deputy Election Commissioner for Dhaka Division Biswas Lutfar Rahman received the consignment on behalf of the commission in the morning. And, in no time, the EC officials began sending 17,000 boxes to the election offices.
EC sources said these transparent ballot boxes are being brought from abroad by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), financed by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), under a recipe meant for the country's democratic development.
The UN agency was also involved in the preparation of the new digitised photo voter list under a reform scheme undertaken following the past crisis over the issues of general election that was eventually cancelled in January last year.
Rafiqul Islam said the remaining ballot boxes will arrive by October 30.
Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhwat Hossain yesterday told reporters that one trainer from Canada would conduct a training programme for one hour with 30 people to teach them how to use the transparent ballot boxes.
6 advisers abroad
Administrative activities at the Bangladesh Secretariat have slowed down as half a dozen advisers in charge of 12 ministries are now outside the country on official tours.
The ongoing administrative shake-up from late last month also added to the laid-back atmosphere, officials said.
"The absence of so many advisers all at a time has nearly stalled the administrative functioning of the ministries they head," a senior official at the education ministry told The Daily Star yesterday.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed's Council of Advisers consists of 11 advisers. As the chief executive of their ministries, the advisers preside over policymaking meetings.
Barring routine work, the official cial said no policy or important decisions are taken in their absence.
Fakhruddin, who is in charge of the establishment and information ministries, is attending the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City.
He also heads the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat and the Cabinet Division.
He ended a five-day official visit to China on Friday and left the country the following day on a 10-day tour hours after announcing dates for the parliamentary and upazila polls.
He is expected to return home on September 30.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who also heads the crucial expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry, is accompanying the chief adviser.
Adviser Rasheda K Choudhury, holding three ministries: primary and mass education, women and children affairs and the cultural affairs, has been abroad since September 17.
She left the country on a personal visit on September 17 and was supposed to join the CA-led delegation at the annual UNGA session. Officials at the primary and mass education ministry said she is unlikely to come back before Eid-ul-Fitr.
Commerce and Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman flew over to the United States on September 17 to attend an international seminar on education. He is expected to return home on September 30.
Finance and Planning Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam went to Saudi Arabia on Sunday. During his visit he will meet Islamic Development Bank President Dr Ahmed Mohammed Ali in Jeddah and discuss matters of mutual interest.
He is scheduled to fly back on September 29, said an official release.
Communications Adviser Ghulam Quader, also in charge of the public works and housing ministry, left Dhaka on September 15 for a seminar in Geneva. He was scheduled to come back Monday, but later changed it to today.
The ongoing administrative shake-up from late last month also added to the laid-back atmosphere, officials said.
"The absence of so many advisers all at a time has nearly stalled the administrative functioning of the ministries they head," a senior official at the education ministry told The Daily Star yesterday.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed's Council of Advisers consists of 11 advisers. As the chief executive of their ministries, the advisers preside over policymaking meetings.
Barring routine work, the official cial said no policy or important decisions are taken in their absence.
Fakhruddin, who is in charge of the establishment and information ministries, is attending the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City.
He also heads the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat and the Cabinet Division.
He ended a five-day official visit to China on Friday and left the country the following day on a 10-day tour hours after announcing dates for the parliamentary and upazila polls.
He is expected to return home on September 30.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who also heads the crucial expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry, is accompanying the chief adviser.
Adviser Rasheda K Choudhury, holding three ministries: primary and mass education, women and children affairs and the cultural affairs, has been abroad since September 17.
She left the country on a personal visit on September 17 and was supposed to join the CA-led delegation at the annual UNGA session. Officials at the primary and mass education ministry said she is unlikely to come back before Eid-ul-Fitr.
Commerce and Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman flew over to the United States on September 17 to attend an international seminar on education. He is expected to return home on September 30.
Finance and Planning Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam went to Saudi Arabia on Sunday. During his visit he will meet Islamic Development Bank President Dr Ahmed Mohammed Ali in Jeddah and discuss matters of mutual interest.
He is scheduled to fly back on September 29, said an official release.
Communications Adviser Ghulam Quader, also in charge of the public works and housing ministry, left Dhaka on September 15 for a seminar in Geneva. He was scheduled to come back Monday, but later changed it to today.
Govt keenly fights Hasina's bail bid
In a move contrary to an apparent understanding with the Awami League (AL), the government yesterday strongly opposed a bail prayer of Sheikh Hasina at the High Court (HC) in an extortion case filed by businessman Noor Ali.
The opposition surprised AL President Hasina's counsel barrister Rafique-ul-Huq who was asked by the caretaker government's law adviser earlier yesterday to obtain Hasina's bail from the HC so that she can sit in a meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
But within hours, the government attorneys opposed the bail petition which, according to barrister Rafique, jeopardised the possible dialogue between the two former premiers to "remove political crisis ahead of the next parliamentary elections".
Rafique, who also represents Khaleda, had taken an initiative to bring the two leaders to a dialogue.
Additional Attorney General (AAG) Mansur Habib, who represented the government in the HC, told newsmen that he opposed Hasina's bail prayer at the instructions of the "authorities concerned".
Talking to journalists, barrister Rafique said Hasina--now abroad on parole for treatment--should come back home as a free person having secured bail in all cases she is standing trial.
In a situation where Khaleda got released on bail and Hasina is on parole, no dialogue can be held between them, he said.
"Now Sheikh Hasina can say--and she has every right to say it--that she will not have any meeting with Khaleda Zia. I will not have anything to do if Sheikh Hasina said she would not sit in any meeting with Khaleda Zia without getting released on bail," said barrister Rafique.
Based on an apparent understanding with the government earlier this month, Khaleda got bail in four cases and the government attorneys did not oppose filing of the bail petitions in favour of Khaleda at that time.
Earlier on September 23, a vacation bench of the HC sent back two bail petitions filed on behalf of Hasina in the Niko and barge-mounted power plant corruption cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission since the HC bench did not have the jurisdiction to hear the petitions.
Following submissions from both sides, an HC vacation bench comprised of Justice Sheikh Rezowan Ali and Justice Md Rais Uddin fixed September 29 for passing order on Hasina's bail petition in the Tk 5 crore extortion case filed by Noor Ali.
The HC bench also asked the AAG to submit within this period a Supreme Court order that granted bail to Khaleda's son Tarique Rahman on health grounds for considering Hasina's bail petition on similar grounds.
AAG Mansur opposed the bail prayer, saying Hasina, who is now on parole, sought bail for taking part in the next general elections.
"Sheikh Hasina has been travelling to different European countries and even recently attended a marriage ceremony in the Netherlands. She was released on parole on health grounds on the basis of a medical report prepared in June this year. The medical reports of her recent health condition needed to be scrutinised for considering her bail prayers," he said.
The AL chief's lawyers said they would submit the petitions to another HC bench on September 29 for hearing.
Rafique-ul-Huq said both he and the government had been trying to seat the two leaders together, but now the government's policy about Hasina's release seemed unclear to them.
"I am confused if the attorney general's office is complying with the instructions of the law ministry and if it has any communication with the ministry. How will the meeting between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina be held if Hasina does not get released on bail?" he said.
He, however, expressed hope about holding of the meeting between the two former premiers.
Earlier yesterday, he prayed to the HC to grant Hasina bail on health grounds saying both the Appellate and HC divisions had granted bail to several accused including Tarique Rahman, Sigma Huda, Salauddin Quader Chowdhury and Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir in similar cases.
Replying to a question, AAG Mansur told reporters that he had not opposed Hasina's bail petition in the Tk 3 crore extortion case filed by Azam J Chowdhury since his client, the government, did not supply him with sufficient materials for contesting the prayer.
Noor Ali, managing director of Unique Group of Companies, filed the case with Tejgaon Police Station on June 13 last year, accusing Hasina and her two relatives of extorting Tk 5 crore for mediating between the Power Development Board and his firm for a power plant deal back in 1997.
The government on July 16 last year brought the case under the Emergency Power Rules (EPR) and a magistrate's court ordered on July 29 that Hasina be shown arrested in the case.
The opposition surprised AL President Hasina's counsel barrister Rafique-ul-Huq who was asked by the caretaker government's law adviser earlier yesterday to obtain Hasina's bail from the HC so that she can sit in a meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
But within hours, the government attorneys opposed the bail petition which, according to barrister Rafique, jeopardised the possible dialogue between the two former premiers to "remove political crisis ahead of the next parliamentary elections".
Rafique, who also represents Khaleda, had taken an initiative to bring the two leaders to a dialogue.
Additional Attorney General (AAG) Mansur Habib, who represented the government in the HC, told newsmen that he opposed Hasina's bail prayer at the instructions of the "authorities concerned".
Talking to journalists, barrister Rafique said Hasina--now abroad on parole for treatment--should come back home as a free person having secured bail in all cases she is standing trial.
In a situation where Khaleda got released on bail and Hasina is on parole, no dialogue can be held between them, he said.
"Now Sheikh Hasina can say--and she has every right to say it--that she will not have any meeting with Khaleda Zia. I will not have anything to do if Sheikh Hasina said she would not sit in any meeting with Khaleda Zia without getting released on bail," said barrister Rafique.
Based on an apparent understanding with the government earlier this month, Khaleda got bail in four cases and the government attorneys did not oppose filing of the bail petitions in favour of Khaleda at that time.
Earlier on September 23, a vacation bench of the HC sent back two bail petitions filed on behalf of Hasina in the Niko and barge-mounted power plant corruption cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission since the HC bench did not have the jurisdiction to hear the petitions.
Following submissions from both sides, an HC vacation bench comprised of Justice Sheikh Rezowan Ali and Justice Md Rais Uddin fixed September 29 for passing order on Hasina's bail petition in the Tk 5 crore extortion case filed by Noor Ali.
The HC bench also asked the AAG to submit within this period a Supreme Court order that granted bail to Khaleda's son Tarique Rahman on health grounds for considering Hasina's bail petition on similar grounds.
AAG Mansur opposed the bail prayer, saying Hasina, who is now on parole, sought bail for taking part in the next general elections.
"Sheikh Hasina has been travelling to different European countries and even recently attended a marriage ceremony in the Netherlands. She was released on parole on health grounds on the basis of a medical report prepared in June this year. The medical reports of her recent health condition needed to be scrutinised for considering her bail prayers," he said.
The AL chief's lawyers said they would submit the petitions to another HC bench on September 29 for hearing.
Rafique-ul-Huq said both he and the government had been trying to seat the two leaders together, but now the government's policy about Hasina's release seemed unclear to them.
"I am confused if the attorney general's office is complying with the instructions of the law ministry and if it has any communication with the ministry. How will the meeting between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina be held if Hasina does not get released on bail?" he said.
He, however, expressed hope about holding of the meeting between the two former premiers.
Earlier yesterday, he prayed to the HC to grant Hasina bail on health grounds saying both the Appellate and HC divisions had granted bail to several accused including Tarique Rahman, Sigma Huda, Salauddin Quader Chowdhury and Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir in similar cases.
Replying to a question, AAG Mansur told reporters that he had not opposed Hasina's bail petition in the Tk 3 crore extortion case filed by Azam J Chowdhury since his client, the government, did not supply him with sufficient materials for contesting the prayer.
Noor Ali, managing director of Unique Group of Companies, filed the case with Tejgaon Police Station on June 13 last year, accusing Hasina and her two relatives of extorting Tk 5 crore for mediating between the Power Development Board and his firm for a power plant deal back in 1997.
The government on July 16 last year brought the case under the Emergency Power Rules (EPR) and a magistrate's court ordered on July 29 that Hasina be shown arrested in the case.
2pc of hijras infected with HIV/AIDS
Speakers at a seminar said about two percent of the estimated 10-15 thousand hermaphrodite (Hijra) populace in the country are infected with HIV/AIDS.
Bandhu Social Welfare Society organised the seminar titled 'Hijra: HIV/AIDS and human rights, role of civil society and other stakeholders' at Biam auditorium in the city on Tuesday.
The speakers also said that HIV intervention programmes for this community are negligible.
The objectives of the seminar were to help raising their voice and establish their dignity in the society, to identify the role of the civil society and other stakeholders to reduce the discrimination and violation of human rights.
More than 35 delegates from UN agencies, NGOs and donor agencies including representatives of hermaphrodite community attended the seminar.
Bandhu Social Welfare Society organised the seminar titled 'Hijra: HIV/AIDS and human rights, role of civil society and other stakeholders' at Biam auditorium in the city on Tuesday.
The speakers also said that HIV intervention programmes for this community are negligible.
The objectives of the seminar were to help raising their voice and establish their dignity in the society, to identify the role of the civil society and other stakeholders to reduce the discrimination and violation of human rights.
More than 35 delegates from UN agencies, NGOs and donor agencies including representatives of hermaphrodite community attended the seminar.
Tk 26 lakh for eye patients
In an effort to enhance eye treatment to ultra poor in the society Bank Asia Limited donated Tk 20 lakh and Muslim Commercial Bank of Pakistan donated Tk 6 lakh for construction of two wards at Islamia Eye Hospital, says a press release.
Bank Asia Chairman Anisur Rahman Sinha and President and Managing Director Syed Anisul Huq handed over both the cheques to Zahida Ispahani, adviser of Islamia Eye Hospital, at ceremony at the hospital in the city on Tuesday.
Earlier, Muslim Commercial Bank donated Tk 14 lakh for construction of a ward in the hospital.
Bank Asia Chairman Anisur Rahman Sinha and President and Managing Director Syed Anisul Huq handed over both the cheques to Zahida Ispahani, adviser of Islamia Eye Hospital, at ceremony at the hospital in the city on Tuesday.
Earlier, Muslim Commercial Bank donated Tk 14 lakh for construction of a ward in the hospital.
Girl killed in roof collapse in Savar
A girl was killed and two others were injured in a roof collapse incident at Jamgara in the upazila yesterday.
The deceased was identified as Ankhi, 14.
Witnesses said the roof of a bathroom of Ali Akbar's house collapsed at about 7:00am, killing his tenant's daughter Ankhi on the spot.
Injured Rahima, 22, and Anik, 28, were admitted to hospital.
The deceased was identified as Ankhi, 14.
Witnesses said the roof of a bathroom of Ali Akbar's house collapsed at about 7:00am, killing his tenant's daughter Ankhi on the spot.
Injured Rahima, 22, and Anik, 28, were admitted to hospital.
Prof Nizam made Scouts National Commissioner
Prof Nizamuddin Ahmed, a Scouts Woodbadger, was appointed a National Commissioner of Bangladesh Scouts.
President and Chief Scout Iajuddin Ahmed has given consent to the appointment of Prof Nizam, says a press release.
Chief National Commissioner Md Abul Kalam Azad has entrusted Prof Nizam with the charge of Extension Scouting and of the Scouts Foundation.
A Paul Harris Fellow, Prof Nizam is presently serving as deputy district governor of Rotary International Bangladesh.
A teacher and architect by profession, he has also been contributing to The Daily Star as a columnist since 1995.
CA to address Bangladeshis in US today
Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed, who is now in the US to join the UN General Assembly (UNGA), will address the Bangladeshi community in New York this morning, reports News World, a US-based news agency.
Bangladesh Ambassador to US M Humayun Kabir has initiated the meeting of the community with the CA. He will also answer to various questions there.
Meanwhile, chief adviser joined the UNGA on Tuesday to listen to the address of US President George W Bush.
Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh at the UN Ismat Zahan and Ambassador Humayun Kabir also took part.
Bangladesh Ambassador to US M Humayun Kabir has initiated the meeting of the community with the CA. He will also answer to various questions there.
Meanwhile, chief adviser joined the UNGA on Tuesday to listen to the address of US President George W Bush.
Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh at the UN Ismat Zahan and Ambassador Humayun Kabir also took part.
Rabiul Husain chairman of IAPB in South East Asia
Renowned eye specialist Rabiul Husain, the founding managing trustee of Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Centre, has been elected the chairman of International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in South East Asian region.
He was elected chairman for the next four years for the second consecutive term at the world convention of the organisation held in Argentina on August 23, 2008.
IAPB is continuing blindness prevention and protection activities across the globe under seven zones.
Alongside fighting blindness, IAPB also continued activities against hunger, poverty, unemployment, ignorance, superstitions and other diseases for betterment of around one forth of the world's population in its southeast zone that comprises eleven countries, said a press release.
He was elected chairman for the next four years for the second consecutive term at the world convention of the organisation held in Argentina on August 23, 2008.
IAPB is continuing blindness prevention and protection activities across the globe under seven zones.
Alongside fighting blindness, IAPB also continued activities against hunger, poverty, unemployment, ignorance, superstitions and other diseases for betterment of around one forth of the world's population in its southeast zone that comprises eleven countries, said a press release.
Meena Day Celebrated - 'Promote inclusive education to end exclusion'
Bangladesh yesterday celebrated "Meena Day" under the theme of 'Inclusive education -- Quality education to end exclusion'.
The celebration of Meena Day was marked by the launch of four new Meena TV spots and episodes by M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, secretary, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education at Biam auditorium.
These new Meena cartoons, produced with UNICEF support, promote equal participation in education, teacher's positive role, love of books and child-friendly school environment. The episodes are: 'Let's go to school together', 'Teacher helps to learn,' 'We love books' and 'My school is fun.'
As part of Meena Day programme, children disguised as Meena, Razu and Mithu participated in a parade on the streets of Dhaka. Bangladesh Shishu Academy also organised cultural programmes to observe the day. Children's groups performed drama on different parts of the city to increase awareness on the importance of quality education to end exclusion.
Bangladesh has recorded remarkable successes in increasing national rates of school enrollment over the past decade. However, some groups of children remain out of school or drop out before reaching grade 5.
These include children with special needs, children living in urban slums or in remote rural areas, working children, children from very poor families and from ethnic minorities. Only a small fraction of disabled children enroll in school.
Of all the surveyed population groups, children living in the urban slums have the lowest rates of net school attendance-far below national averages.
'Without access to quality education, these children are denied the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, capacities, skills and self -confidence required to break the inter-generational poverty cycle and therefore move out of exclusion', said UNICEF representative Carel de Rooy.
"This is why it is important to have a special attention for these groups of vulnerable children. We need to ensure that they are offered the same quality education than the majority of children in Bangladesh,” Rooy added.
Factors such as poor quality of teaching, weak school management, curriculum irrelevance and language also lead to marginalisation and exclusion of children, even for those who are attending schools.
Children may sit in the classroom, but feel excluded from learning in the classroom because of the teachers' and peers' attitudes.
To address this situation, inclusive education is incorporated into all components of the second Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP II) and at all levels of the education sector from the ministry to the classroom.
This approach aims at removing all barriers to learning and acknowledging individual children's needs and potential. Such barriers include culture, gender, work, negative attitudes, illness, school facilities, location, language, disability, lack of awareness about the importance of education, race, malnutrition and poverty.
Many children could attend school if families, communities, schools and the education system at large were more responsive to their requirements.
The celebration of Meena Day was marked by the launch of four new Meena TV spots and episodes by M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, secretary, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education at Biam auditorium.
These new Meena cartoons, produced with UNICEF support, promote equal participation in education, teacher's positive role, love of books and child-friendly school environment. The episodes are: 'Let's go to school together', 'Teacher helps to learn,' 'We love books' and 'My school is fun.'
As part of Meena Day programme, children disguised as Meena, Razu and Mithu participated in a parade on the streets of Dhaka. Bangladesh Shishu Academy also organised cultural programmes to observe the day. Children's groups performed drama on different parts of the city to increase awareness on the importance of quality education to end exclusion.
Bangladesh has recorded remarkable successes in increasing national rates of school enrollment over the past decade. However, some groups of children remain out of school or drop out before reaching grade 5.
These include children with special needs, children living in urban slums or in remote rural areas, working children, children from very poor families and from ethnic minorities. Only a small fraction of disabled children enroll in school.
Of all the surveyed population groups, children living in the urban slums have the lowest rates of net school attendance-far below national averages.
'Without access to quality education, these children are denied the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, capacities, skills and self -confidence required to break the inter-generational poverty cycle and therefore move out of exclusion', said UNICEF representative Carel de Rooy.
"This is why it is important to have a special attention for these groups of vulnerable children. We need to ensure that they are offered the same quality education than the majority of children in Bangladesh,” Rooy added.
Factors such as poor quality of teaching, weak school management, curriculum irrelevance and language also lead to marginalisation and exclusion of children, even for those who are attending schools.
Children may sit in the classroom, but feel excluded from learning in the classroom because of the teachers' and peers' attitudes.
To address this situation, inclusive education is incorporated into all components of the second Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP II) and at all levels of the education sector from the ministry to the classroom.
This approach aims at removing all barriers to learning and acknowledging individual children's needs and potential. Such barriers include culture, gender, work, negative attitudes, illness, school facilities, location, language, disability, lack of awareness about the importance of education, race, malnutrition and poverty.
Many children could attend school if families, communities, schools and the education system at large were more responsive to their requirements.
Fazle Hasan Abed receives Rockefeller award
Brac founder and Chairperson Fazle Hasan Abed received this year's David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award in New York on Tuesday in recognition of his contribution to eradicating poverty and fighting social injustice.
He was honoured at an annual event titled 'University for a Night' at Lincoln Centre, attended by distinguished faculty and experts with diverse backgrounds and interests from around the world, reports News World.
Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan also received the award for her contribution to social service.
Wangari Maathai, a Nobel peace laureate and founder of the Green Belt Movement, Jeff Skoll, founding president of eBay and chairman of the Skoll Foundation and Participant Media, Peggy Dulany, Synergos founder and chair, Robert H Dunn, Synergos president, and David Rockefeller addressed the award giving ceremony.
The speakers said Fazle Hasan Abed has instilled a new hope in the poor people of the world who had been suffering from frustration. Bangladesh is a good example of it where thousands of people have become self-reliant by breaking out of the web of poverty.
Wangari Maathai called for worldwide concerted efforts to fight poverty and social injustice.
Receiving the award, Abed said Bangladesh once used to depend on others. "We've now become self-reliant. It's a great success," he said, referring to the success of Brac's microcredit programme.
Synergos confers the award each year on persons and organisations who work for the 'common good' by showing vision and courage in bringing people together to address global poverty and equity.
Last year, the award went to former South African president Nelson Mandela and Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates and William H Gates Sr, co-chairs of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Call to uphold global tobacco treaty
Tobacco companies are the biggest threat to tobacco control efforts in the country, as they are violating the Tobacco Control Act 2005 and the global tobacco treaty, speakers at a press conference said yesterday.
They also called on the government to take steps to uphold the global tobacco treaty.
Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) organised the press conference at its auditorium in the city in association with Corporate Accountability International and Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnational (NATT) to mark the 9th International Week of Resistance to Tobacco Transnationals.
Presided over by DAM President Kazi Rafiqul Alam, the press conference was attended by Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital Managing Director M Fazlur Rahman, Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) General Secretary Kazi Faruq and Welfare Association of Cancer Care General Secretary Kuheli Mustafa.
The speakers criticised the big tobacco companies for aggressively promoting their products by flouting public health policies. But no legal action has been taken against them, they added.
They said the tobacco companies are distributing gift items, posters, stickers, leaflets and promotional products and sponsoring various events, which are threatening the anti-tobacco campaign.
'The 2008 Global Tobacco Treaty Action Guide: Protecting Against Tobacco Industry Interference' was also released at the press conference as part of the international release of the action guide.
They also called on the government to take steps to uphold the global tobacco treaty.
Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) organised the press conference at its auditorium in the city in association with Corporate Accountability International and Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnational (NATT) to mark the 9th International Week of Resistance to Tobacco Transnationals.
Presided over by DAM President Kazi Rafiqul Alam, the press conference was attended by Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital Managing Director M Fazlur Rahman, Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) General Secretary Kazi Faruq and Welfare Association of Cancer Care General Secretary Kuheli Mustafa.
The speakers criticised the big tobacco companies for aggressively promoting their products by flouting public health policies. But no legal action has been taken against them, they added.
They said the tobacco companies are distributing gift items, posters, stickers, leaflets and promotional products and sponsoring various events, which are threatening the anti-tobacco campaign.
'The 2008 Global Tobacco Treaty Action Guide: Protecting Against Tobacco Industry Interference' was also released at the press conference as part of the international release of the action guide.
Law enforcers get 80 complaints a day
Law enforcement agencies receive around 80 complaints a day from city residents about extortion demands from criminals over phones.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) have set up special cells to deal with such complaints and take necessary steps against the culprits.
DMP sources said they received 70 such complaints after the special cell was opened on September 22. A top Rab official said they also receive around 50 complaints a day.
The DMP has so far received over 1,000 complaints and the connection of at least 600 mobile phones has been cut off following requests from the DMP, sources said.
Masudur Rahman, additional deputy commissioner of the Detective Branch (DB) of police, told The Daily Star, "We received 70 complaints from September 23 to 24. Organised criminals called from 150 mobile phone numbers demanding extortion from many city residents."
Rab sources said they found in investigations that frauds and petty criminals made the calls using the names of high-profile criminals.
Organised criminals are demanding extortion from well-off people including businessmen over phone, said a press released signed by DMP Commissioner Naim Ahmed yesterday.
The DMP and Rab have requested the city dwellers to provide them with phone numbers of the callers demanding extortion.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) have set up special cells to deal with such complaints and take necessary steps against the culprits.
DMP sources said they received 70 such complaints after the special cell was opened on September 22. A top Rab official said they also receive around 50 complaints a day.
The DMP has so far received over 1,000 complaints and the connection of at least 600 mobile phones has been cut off following requests from the DMP, sources said.
Masudur Rahman, additional deputy commissioner of the Detective Branch (DB) of police, told The Daily Star, "We received 70 complaints from September 23 to 24. Organised criminals called from 150 mobile phone numbers demanding extortion from many city residents."
Rab sources said they found in investigations that frauds and petty criminals made the calls using the names of high-profile criminals.
Organised criminals are demanding extortion from well-off people including businessmen over phone, said a press released signed by DMP Commissioner Naim Ahmed yesterday.
The DMP and Rab have requested the city dwellers to provide them with phone numbers of the callers demanding extortion.
Threat for toll rises in 10 SW dists ahead of Eid
Incidents of threat for extortion by criminals including outlaws and gang groups marked a sudden increased in ten southwestern districts ahead of the Eid.
At least fifty such incidents took place in the region in last fifteen days, according to police sources and victims.
Police however claimed it is a 'sudden phenomenon' and said drive against the criminals is on.
The criminals are demanding toll from people and threatening them with death, the victims said. Some of the victims lodged General Dairy (GD) with police seeking security. In Kushtia, police arrested one of the alleged extortionists recently.
The victims included government officials, NGO men, teachers of schools and colleges, businessmen and contractors.
At least five GDs were lodged with police stations in Bagerhat in last seven days.
Some NGO officials involved in credit programmes said criminals are threatening them for extortion. At places, criminals threaten to stop credit programmes if they are not paid toll.
“My four field workers have been threatened by a local gang group for toll a couple of days ago when they were returning to office after collecting loan installments in Gangni and Mujibnagar upazilas in Meherpur,” told an executive of a local NGO.
Some businessmen in Meherpur and Chuadanga said outlaws phone them for toll ranging from Tk 5 to 10 lakh. A contractor in Kushtia filed a GD with the Sadar police station on September 21 naming a BNP cadre who is close to a former local BNP lawmaker. The cadre demanded Tk 2 lakh from the contractor who is doing a construction work in Kushtia civil surgeon office.
Police arrested the BNP cadre on September 8. Now his accomplices are threatening the contractor to withdraw the case.
Day labourer Asadul of Simulia village in Mirpur upazila in Kushtia is being treated at Kushtia General Hospital. He was beaten severely for Tk 2000 toll aftyer he took a loan of Tk 10,000 from a NGO on Saturday. A case has been lodged with Mirpur police.
“It is too hard to crush the criminals in the region overnight as they have a good network in the region”, a high police official in Khulna told this correspondent over cell phone yesterday.
He said a special drive is on in the ten districts since September 1. Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) is also in the field, he said.
Six criminals belonging to different outlawed parties and gang groups were killed, three each in Kushtia and Jhenidah, in 10 days of the current month, police records said. Police arrested at least 50 alleged cadres during the period and recovered firearms.
At least 13 outlawed parties with 5,000 of cadres are active in the 10 districts.
At least fifty such incidents took place in the region in last fifteen days, according to police sources and victims.
Police however claimed it is a 'sudden phenomenon' and said drive against the criminals is on.
The criminals are demanding toll from people and threatening them with death, the victims said. Some of the victims lodged General Dairy (GD) with police seeking security. In Kushtia, police arrested one of the alleged extortionists recently.
The victims included government officials, NGO men, teachers of schools and colleges, businessmen and contractors.
At least five GDs were lodged with police stations in Bagerhat in last seven days.
Some NGO officials involved in credit programmes said criminals are threatening them for extortion. At places, criminals threaten to stop credit programmes if they are not paid toll.
“My four field workers have been threatened by a local gang group for toll a couple of days ago when they were returning to office after collecting loan installments in Gangni and Mujibnagar upazilas in Meherpur,” told an executive of a local NGO.
Some businessmen in Meherpur and Chuadanga said outlaws phone them for toll ranging from Tk 5 to 10 lakh. A contractor in Kushtia filed a GD with the Sadar police station on September 21 naming a BNP cadre who is close to a former local BNP lawmaker. The cadre demanded Tk 2 lakh from the contractor who is doing a construction work in Kushtia civil surgeon office.
Police arrested the BNP cadre on September 8. Now his accomplices are threatening the contractor to withdraw the case.
Day labourer Asadul of Simulia village in Mirpur upazila in Kushtia is being treated at Kushtia General Hospital. He was beaten severely for Tk 2000 toll aftyer he took a loan of Tk 10,000 from a NGO on Saturday. A case has been lodged with Mirpur police.
“It is too hard to crush the criminals in the region overnight as they have a good network in the region”, a high police official in Khulna told this correspondent over cell phone yesterday.
He said a special drive is on in the ten districts since September 1. Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) is also in the field, he said.
Six criminals belonging to different outlawed parties and gang groups were killed, three each in Kushtia and Jhenidah, in 10 days of the current month, police records said. Police arrested at least 50 alleged cadres during the period and recovered firearms.
At least 13 outlawed parties with 5,000 of cadres are active in the 10 districts.
Razzak Ali will not return to BNP
Former speaker Sheikh Razzak Ali has said he has no intention to go back to BNP as he was compelled to quit the party.
“I was compelled to leave BNP due to intra-party squabbles in Khulna BNP”.
But there is a chance of forming an alliance between BNP and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), he said while talking to this correspondent yesterday. Razzak Ali joined LDP on October 26, 2006 in Dhaka
Sheikh Razzak Ali said that he had to quit BNP with a 'heavy heart' to get rid of sharp intra-party squabbles in Khulna and also at its central level.
There has been speculation in Khulna for last few days that Razzak Ali would join BNP on request from Begum Khaleda Zia.
Sheikh Razzak Ali while denying any such contact with Begum Zia regarding his going back to the party did not rule out possibility of an a electoral alliance with BNP.
Sources said both factions of Khulna BNP have been trying to convince Razzak Ali to come back to BNP.
“We will congratulate him if he returns to BNP”, said prominent party leader and ex-lawmaker M Nurul Islam Dadu. Dadu also recalled Razzak Ali's contributions as central leader of BNP since its birth in 1977.
Leader of another faction of Khulna BNP Shaharuzzaman Mortuza said that strong lobbying is going on to take Razzak Ali back to BNP to fill in the leadership gap in Khulna and also at the central level after one-eleven changeover in the country.
“We hope the founder member will come back”, Martuza said.
Sheikh Razzak Ali was elected a member of Jatiya Sangsad first in 1979 from Khulna-6 and twice from Khulna-2 constituency in 1991 and 1996. He was speaker of Jatiya Sangsad from 1991 to 1996.
Sheikh Razzak Ali also served as Bangladesh High Commissioner to Britain for about two years. Distance between him and BNP high command widened as he was not given nomination from any of the six constituencies in Khulna in 2001 general election.
The gap widened further after he filed nomination paper from Khulna-2 constituency as an independent candidate to contest against BNP chairperson Begum Zia. He however withdrew his nomination paper under pressure from local and central BNP leaders.
Begum Zia was elected lawmaker from Khulna-2 seat winning a landslide victory against her nearest rival slain advocate Manjural Imam of Khulna Awami League.
Later, Ali Asgar Lobi was elected unopposed in bye-election as the seat fell vacant after Begum Zia relinquished it.
“I was compelled to leave BNP due to intra-party squabbles in Khulna BNP”.
But there is a chance of forming an alliance between BNP and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), he said while talking to this correspondent yesterday. Razzak Ali joined LDP on October 26, 2006 in Dhaka
Sheikh Razzak Ali said that he had to quit BNP with a 'heavy heart' to get rid of sharp intra-party squabbles in Khulna and also at its central level.
There has been speculation in Khulna for last few days that Razzak Ali would join BNP on request from Begum Khaleda Zia.
Sheikh Razzak Ali while denying any such contact with Begum Zia regarding his going back to the party did not rule out possibility of an a electoral alliance with BNP.
Sources said both factions of Khulna BNP have been trying to convince Razzak Ali to come back to BNP.
“We will congratulate him if he returns to BNP”, said prominent party leader and ex-lawmaker M Nurul Islam Dadu. Dadu also recalled Razzak Ali's contributions as central leader of BNP since its birth in 1977.
Leader of another faction of Khulna BNP Shaharuzzaman Mortuza said that strong lobbying is going on to take Razzak Ali back to BNP to fill in the leadership gap in Khulna and also at the central level after one-eleven changeover in the country.
“We hope the founder member will come back”, Martuza said.
Sheikh Razzak Ali was elected a member of Jatiya Sangsad first in 1979 from Khulna-6 and twice from Khulna-2 constituency in 1991 and 1996. He was speaker of Jatiya Sangsad from 1991 to 1996.
Sheikh Razzak Ali also served as Bangladesh High Commissioner to Britain for about two years. Distance between him and BNP high command widened as he was not given nomination from any of the six constituencies in Khulna in 2001 general election.
The gap widened further after he filed nomination paper from Khulna-2 constituency as an independent candidate to contest against BNP chairperson Begum Zia. He however withdrew his nomination paper under pressure from local and central BNP leaders.
Begum Zia was elected lawmaker from Khulna-2 seat winning a landslide victory against her nearest rival slain advocate Manjural Imam of Khulna Awami League.
Later, Ali Asgar Lobi was elected unopposed in bye-election as the seat fell vacant after Begum Zia relinquished it.
Show cause on 2 mayoral,19 councillor candidates
The Election Commission has sent show cause notices by post to 21 persons including two mayoral and 19 councillor candidates in August 4 Barisal City Corporation (BCC) elections for not submitting statements on their polls expenditure.
The EC will take action against those who disregarded the instruction about submitting statement of election expenditure, Manirul Islam, deputy election commissioner and returning officer for the August 4 BCC polls, said.
Two mayoral contestants advocate Kabiruddin Hannu and Rafiqul Islam Russel did not submit their election expenditure report within stipulated time frame of September 13, the returning officer said.
Nineteen out of 184 councillor candidates have also failed to submit their election expenditure statement to the Election Commission office in compliance with the polls rules, he said.
Barisal EC office sources said each contestant for the mayor was allowed to spend highest Tk 5.75 lakh as election expenditures, including those for public meetings, mass contact, different types of campaign, election camps and personal and agents' expenses.
The EC will take action against those who disregarded the instruction about submitting statement of election expenditure, Manirul Islam, deputy election commissioner and returning officer for the August 4 BCC polls, said.
Two mayoral contestants advocate Kabiruddin Hannu and Rafiqul Islam Russel did not submit their election expenditure report within stipulated time frame of September 13, the returning officer said.
Nineteen out of 184 councillor candidates have also failed to submit their election expenditure statement to the Election Commission office in compliance with the polls rules, he said.
Barisal EC office sources said each contestant for the mayor was allowed to spend highest Tk 5.75 lakh as election expenditures, including those for public meetings, mass contact, different types of campaign, election camps and personal and agents' expenses.
Computer training for Tangail prisoners
Computer training course for inmates of Tangail district jail was started yesterday to make them self reliant and lead normal life after release.
District Jail Superintendent Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman inaugurated the programme.
In the first phase, 40 educated prisoners will be given the training. Three of inmates, who have been trained, will work as trainers, jail sources said.
District Jail Superintendent Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman inaugurated the programme.
In the first phase, 40 educated prisoners will be given the training. Three of inmates, who have been trained, will work as trainers, jail sources said.
JMB cadre held in Khulna
Detective police yesterday arrested four persons including an alleged cadre of outlawed JMB from a house at Zahidur Rahman road under Khulna Sadar police station.
The arrested JMB cadre was identified as Tanvir Ahmed, 26.
Police recovered from him a photocopy of his passport, licence of a motorcycle and a bank cheque book.
Assistant commissioner KMP DB Abu Sayem said he had led the operation to arrested the JMB cadre Tanvir Ahmed, his mother Mahumuda Begum, 48, sister-in-law Hajera Khatoon, 18 and daughter Hadsa, 5.
Assistant Commissioner of DB said Tanvir, a cadre of Jamaatul Mujahedin Bangladesh (JMB) had rented an apartment of the building of Abdur Rashid four months ago identifying him as an official of Desh Pharmaceuticals.
During interrogation Tanvir at first identified himself as an inhabitant of Manikganj district.
But later it was found in his ID card that he is son of Baig Shamsuddin of Barhopara village under Berha upazila of Pabna district, the police official said.
Police said many unknown persons would come to Tanvir's house.
The arrested JMB cadre was identified as Tanvir Ahmed, 26.
Police recovered from him a photocopy of his passport, licence of a motorcycle and a bank cheque book.
Assistant commissioner KMP DB Abu Sayem said he had led the operation to arrested the JMB cadre Tanvir Ahmed, his mother Mahumuda Begum, 48, sister-in-law Hajera Khatoon, 18 and daughter Hadsa, 5.
Assistant Commissioner of DB said Tanvir, a cadre of Jamaatul Mujahedin Bangladesh (JMB) had rented an apartment of the building of Abdur Rashid four months ago identifying him as an official of Desh Pharmaceuticals.
During interrogation Tanvir at first identified himself as an inhabitant of Manikganj district.
But later it was found in his ID card that he is son of Baig Shamsuddin of Barhopara village under Berha upazila of Pabna district, the police official said.
Police said many unknown persons would come to Tanvir's house.
Pabna Medical College starts this session
Fifty students will be admitted to Pabna Medical College this session while the Ministry of Education has instructed renting a house for operating proposed Pabna Technology University.
The classes of the medical college will be held on the premises of Pabna Mental Hospital until establishment of the infrastructure of Pabna Medical College, health department sources said.
“As the government has recently issued an order, 50 students will be admitted to Pabna Medical College in the first batch this year. Admission forms will be available from September 29,” said Prof Dr Enayet Karim, director of Pabna Mental Hospital.
The health department has already sanctioned 33 acres of lands of Pabna Mental Hospital to the new medical college.
Earlier a medical college started functioning in 1981 but the then government stopped running the institution after two years.
The present caretaker government took initiative to set up a medical college and a university in Pabna, much to the delight and satisfaction of the people of the district.
The classes of the medical college will be held on the premises of Pabna Mental Hospital until establishment of the infrastructure of Pabna Medical College, health department sources said.
“As the government has recently issued an order, 50 students will be admitted to Pabna Medical College in the first batch this year. Admission forms will be available from September 29,” said Prof Dr Enayet Karim, director of Pabna Mental Hospital.
The health department has already sanctioned 33 acres of lands of Pabna Mental Hospital to the new medical college.
Earlier a medical college started functioning in 1981 but the then government stopped running the institution after two years.
The present caretaker government took initiative to set up a medical college and a university in Pabna, much to the delight and satisfaction of the people of the district.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
BDR shops to be shut down
Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) is set to close its fair price outlets across the country from September 29 after running those for over one and a half years due to low volume of sale.
Another reason behind the move to close the outlets is the decision to engage the BDR members in maintaining law and order and border security ahead of upcoming national elections, sources said.
BDR in the meantime officially stopped selling powdered milk imported from China at its outlets.
Visiting several outlets in the capital yesterday, The Daily Star correspondent found a few consumers many of whom were yet to know about the closure of the sale as no notice had so far been hung as of yesterday.
BDR officials, however, said they had been informed about the closure yesterday.
The fair price outlets sources said low volume of sale at the outlets, maintaining border security and law and order ahead of election prompted the authorities to take the decision to withdraw BDR personnel necessitating the closure of the outlets.
Besides, government's reluctance to run the outlets is also a reason behind their shutting down, said the sources.
Talking to The Daily Star, BDR Dhaka Sector Commander Col Mujibul Huq said the fair price outlets had been initiated on March 15, 2007 with a view to reining in the skyrocketing prices of essentials and selling them at a reasonable price.
“BDR feels no necessity to run the outlets as the prices of essentials had already begun to plummet in the markets across the country,” he said.
He, however, denied any kind of government's pressure to close the outlets.
“We will continue to sell essentials at the outlets till September 28 and the rest will be up for an auction after the Eid,” Col Huq said, adding, “The makeshift outlets will be removed gradually after September 29.
Another BDR official said they imported 500 tonnes of powder milk from China last year after a thorough examination but they had sold only about 100 tonnes. They will sell the rest 400 tonnes of powder milk on auction, he said.
Consumers, however, alleged that the quality of most of the products including rice being sold in most outlets is substandard and stinky and which is why consumers are reluctant to buy them and prices of them are almost same comparing to other markets except for the rice price which is a bit low at the outlets, they said.
Another reason behind the move to close the outlets is the decision to engage the BDR members in maintaining law and order and border security ahead of upcoming national elections, sources said.
BDR in the meantime officially stopped selling powdered milk imported from China at its outlets.
Visiting several outlets in the capital yesterday, The Daily Star correspondent found a few consumers many of whom were yet to know about the closure of the sale as no notice had so far been hung as of yesterday.
BDR officials, however, said they had been informed about the closure yesterday.
The fair price outlets sources said low volume of sale at the outlets, maintaining border security and law and order ahead of election prompted the authorities to take the decision to withdraw BDR personnel necessitating the closure of the outlets.
Besides, government's reluctance to run the outlets is also a reason behind their shutting down, said the sources.
Talking to The Daily Star, BDR Dhaka Sector Commander Col Mujibul Huq said the fair price outlets had been initiated on March 15, 2007 with a view to reining in the skyrocketing prices of essentials and selling them at a reasonable price.
“BDR feels no necessity to run the outlets as the prices of essentials had already begun to plummet in the markets across the country,” he said.
He, however, denied any kind of government's pressure to close the outlets.
“We will continue to sell essentials at the outlets till September 28 and the rest will be up for an auction after the Eid,” Col Huq said, adding, “The makeshift outlets will be removed gradually after September 29.
Another BDR official said they imported 500 tonnes of powder milk from China last year after a thorough examination but they had sold only about 100 tonnes. They will sell the rest 400 tonnes of powder milk on auction, he said.
Consumers, however, alleged that the quality of most of the products including rice being sold in most outlets is substandard and stinky and which is why consumers are reluctant to buy them and prices of them are almost same comparing to other markets except for the rice price which is a bit low at the outlets, they said.
Govt considering promulgating police ordinance
The government is considering promulgating the Bangladesh Police Ordinance 2007, Home Adviser MA Matin yesterday said.
"This is a big task and a sensitive issue. We've got to go through some steps. We'll try to promulgate it after that," he told reporters after a meeting of the monitoring cell on sensational cases at the home ministry.
He ruled out any dithering over passing the ordinance. "No government official is hindering, halting its implementation."
The meeting decided to submit charge sheets in two cases filed in connection with the bomb attacks on Pahela Baishak celebrations at Ramna Batamul on April 14 in 2001, inside sources said. The grisly attacks killed 10 people.
The adviser instructed the officials concerned to further investigate the murder of former finance minister SAMS Kibria and the death of ActionAid country director Nasreen Huq.
He said the police are working independently under the present caretaker government.
"There's no influence from the government or any other quarter over the activities of the police department," he told reporters.
Matin said the proposed police ordinance was prepared in English and was later translated into Bangla.
He said they will seek feedback on the draft from stakeholders, including lawyers and police regulatory committee.
"We'll move to the next steps after getting their opinion," he said.
Home Secretary Abdul Karim and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting.
"This is a big task and a sensitive issue. We've got to go through some steps. We'll try to promulgate it after that," he told reporters after a meeting of the monitoring cell on sensational cases at the home ministry.
He ruled out any dithering over passing the ordinance. "No government official is hindering, halting its implementation."
The meeting decided to submit charge sheets in two cases filed in connection with the bomb attacks on Pahela Baishak celebrations at Ramna Batamul on April 14 in 2001, inside sources said. The grisly attacks killed 10 people.
The adviser instructed the officials concerned to further investigate the murder of former finance minister SAMS Kibria and the death of ActionAid country director Nasreen Huq.
He said the police are working independently under the present caretaker government.
"There's no influence from the government or any other quarter over the activities of the police department," he told reporters.
Matin said the proposed police ordinance was prepared in English and was later translated into Bangla.
He said they will seek feedback on the draft from stakeholders, including lawyers and police regulatory committee.
"We'll move to the next steps after getting their opinion," he said.
Home Secretary Abdul Karim and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting.
Public hearing from today on proposed 65pc gas price hike
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) will hold public hearings from today on proposed hike in gas prices ranging up to 65 percent.
On conclusion of the hearings, the commission will announce its final decision by October 30.
The state-owned Petrobangla has proposed the price hike. Earlier, BERC in an initial hearing had accepted the proposal placed by the Petrobangla subject to eliciting public opinion about the raise.
BERC sources said the hearings may continue for two days as the commission will hear the views of different stakeholders alongside the Petrobangla proposal.
In the proposal, Petrobangla suggested a variable price hike for its different categories of consumers. The average hike will come to 65 percent.
As per the proposal, Petrobangla, for domestic consumers, suggested raising the gas price to Tk 600 from the existing rate of Tk 400 for a double-burner oven while Tk 550 for single-burner oven against the present rate of Tk 350.
The proposal is for a 50 percent raise over the existing rates for domestic gas users.
The metered domestic consumers will have to pay Tk 208 instead of Tk 130 with a price increase of 26.81 percent. Similarly, Petrobangla proposed to increase gas price for commercial users by 26.08 percent, meaning that per-unit (1000 cubic feet or 1 mcf) price will go up to Tk 291.59 from the current price of Tk 233.12.
For the industrial consumers, the proposed per-unit price is Tk 182.25, up from the present rate of Tk 148.13, with a 23.03 percent raise.
The same rate will apply to tea-estates.
For captive power plants, the new rate is proposed to be Tk 182.25 per unit, up from the present rate of Tk 105.59, by a 72.60 percent raise.
The Petrobangla proposed Tk 93.73 per-unit as gas price for the Power Development Board (PDB), independent power producer (IPP) and small power plant (SPP) instead of Tk 73.91, with a 26.81 percent raise.
For fertiliser industries, the new rate is envisaged to be Tk 93.73 instead of Tk 63.41 per unit by a raise of 47.81 percent.
Presenting the price-hike proposal, Petrobangla Chairman Jalal Ahmed said his organisation's cumulative deficit on account of undercut gas supply to international oil companies (IOCs) is about Tk 2000 crore.
"If we don't raise gas prices, Petrobangla will have to go bankrupt shortly, which will ultimately make it unable to go for further exploration," he said to justify the merit of the government move in the interim period.
On conclusion of the hearings, the commission will announce its final decision by October 30.
The state-owned Petrobangla has proposed the price hike. Earlier, BERC in an initial hearing had accepted the proposal placed by the Petrobangla subject to eliciting public opinion about the raise.
BERC sources said the hearings may continue for two days as the commission will hear the views of different stakeholders alongside the Petrobangla proposal.
In the proposal, Petrobangla suggested a variable price hike for its different categories of consumers. The average hike will come to 65 percent.
As per the proposal, Petrobangla, for domestic consumers, suggested raising the gas price to Tk 600 from the existing rate of Tk 400 for a double-burner oven while Tk 550 for single-burner oven against the present rate of Tk 350.
The proposal is for a 50 percent raise over the existing rates for domestic gas users.
The metered domestic consumers will have to pay Tk 208 instead of Tk 130 with a price increase of 26.81 percent. Similarly, Petrobangla proposed to increase gas price for commercial users by 26.08 percent, meaning that per-unit (1000 cubic feet or 1 mcf) price will go up to Tk 291.59 from the current price of Tk 233.12.
For the industrial consumers, the proposed per-unit price is Tk 182.25, up from the present rate of Tk 148.13, with a 23.03 percent raise.
The same rate will apply to tea-estates.
For captive power plants, the new rate is proposed to be Tk 182.25 per unit, up from the present rate of Tk 105.59, by a 72.60 percent raise.
The Petrobangla proposed Tk 93.73 per-unit as gas price for the Power Development Board (PDB), independent power producer (IPP) and small power plant (SPP) instead of Tk 73.91, with a 26.81 percent raise.
For fertiliser industries, the new rate is envisaged to be Tk 93.73 instead of Tk 63.41 per unit by a raise of 47.81 percent.
Presenting the price-hike proposal, Petrobangla Chairman Jalal Ahmed said his organisation's cumulative deficit on account of undercut gas supply to international oil companies (IOCs) is about Tk 2000 crore.
"If we don't raise gas prices, Petrobangla will have to go bankrupt shortly, which will ultimately make it unable to go for further exploration," he said to justify the merit of the government move in the interim period.
Second Dhaka-Ctg highway in limbo
The project of the second Dhaka-Chittagong highway is gathering dust for over a year after the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) failed to find a suitable firm for the construction in July last year.
Officials concerned say though they are ready to take a fresh move they have yet to get the government nod about it and have no idea when they might avail it.
The RHD is however preparing ground so that it can invite firms for the pre-qualification race soon after getting the permission.
Although initiated in 2005 and approved by the cabinet in July 2006, there is hardly any headway in the project except issuing of an invitation for pre-qualification race in July last year.
"We're waiting for the government nod. We'll issue fresh invitation for pre-qualification of the prospective firms once we get it," Project Director (PD) Kazi Golam Mostafa told The Daily Star yesterday.
He said the project has stopped midway and remains stalled since then as four pre-qualified firms failed to fulfil all the "tough" criteria set by the government.
He said criteria for pre-qualification would be relaxed in the fresh invitation. "The criterion of having experience in constructing 200 kilometres of road in a single project is going to be relaxed."
The four-lane dual carriageway spanning 215 kilometres from Dhaka to Chittagong will be constructed on a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis.
This would be the first expressway in the country with facilities like adequate parking space, fuelling stations, food courts and rest houses at regular intervals.
This expressway, once built, would cut the journey time between the two major cities to three hours from existing seven to eight hours. It would also help develop the economic corridor between the capital and the port city.
"It will not only ensure safe journey in a smooth traffic environment but also cut operation cost saving fuel," said the PD, adding the proposed highway would provide higher level of service with uninterrupted traffic flow.
A three-route option has been kept open from which one would be selected for the highway.
The first runs parallel to the existing highway, while the second route starts from Jatrabari towards Narayanganj and then moving to the south to cross the Dhaleswari river, Munsiganj, the Meghna and finally reaches Chittagong through Chandpur and Noakhali.
The third probable route begins from Jatrabari to reach Chittagong by crossing Laksham and Feni and will be the shortest and most direct one.
The then cabinet of BNP-led coalition government approved construction of the second highway with private investment on July 4, 2006 on the basis of a proposal made by Malaysia-based construction firm Azimat Consortium.
In its proposal, the firm said it would take five years to complete the construction. After operating for 30 years and recovering the investment through collecting toll, the expressway will be handed over to the government, it proposed.
The communications ministry upon securitisation forwarded the proposal to the high-powered private infrastructure committee (PICOM). The proposal was then placed before the cabinet for final approval.
The proposal includes an option that 20 percent of the construction work would be given to local contractors and an "umbrella scheme" would be implemented to assist them.
The PD said the government would look for the companies who would take bigger risk to invest in the project. He expressed the hope that construction of the highway would begin after a year by completing all formalities.
Asked about the Malaysian firm, he said it will be considered pre-qualified due to its proposal but it has to take part in the race with other firms.
The narrow Dhaka-Chittagong Highway is now in a dismal state which not only eats up valuable time but also incurs huge loss to economy.
"The national highway is considered to be the most important highway and lifeline of commerce in Bangladesh; and carries port and other traffic to Dhaka and other places in the country," reads the executive summary of the project.
Officials at RHD say the second national highway is crucial for smooth passage of increasing number of vehicles and to check deaths of hundreds of people in accidents every year.
Officials concerned say though they are ready to take a fresh move they have yet to get the government nod about it and have no idea when they might avail it.
The RHD is however preparing ground so that it can invite firms for the pre-qualification race soon after getting the permission.
Although initiated in 2005 and approved by the cabinet in July 2006, there is hardly any headway in the project except issuing of an invitation for pre-qualification race in July last year.
"We're waiting for the government nod. We'll issue fresh invitation for pre-qualification of the prospective firms once we get it," Project Director (PD) Kazi Golam Mostafa told The Daily Star yesterday.
He said the project has stopped midway and remains stalled since then as four pre-qualified firms failed to fulfil all the "tough" criteria set by the government.
He said criteria for pre-qualification would be relaxed in the fresh invitation. "The criterion of having experience in constructing 200 kilometres of road in a single project is going to be relaxed."
The four-lane dual carriageway spanning 215 kilometres from Dhaka to Chittagong will be constructed on a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis.
This would be the first expressway in the country with facilities like adequate parking space, fuelling stations, food courts and rest houses at regular intervals.
This expressway, once built, would cut the journey time between the two major cities to three hours from existing seven to eight hours. It would also help develop the economic corridor between the capital and the port city.
"It will not only ensure safe journey in a smooth traffic environment but also cut operation cost saving fuel," said the PD, adding the proposed highway would provide higher level of service with uninterrupted traffic flow.
A three-route option has been kept open from which one would be selected for the highway.
The first runs parallel to the existing highway, while the second route starts from Jatrabari towards Narayanganj and then moving to the south to cross the Dhaleswari river, Munsiganj, the Meghna and finally reaches Chittagong through Chandpur and Noakhali.
The third probable route begins from Jatrabari to reach Chittagong by crossing Laksham and Feni and will be the shortest and most direct one.
The then cabinet of BNP-led coalition government approved construction of the second highway with private investment on July 4, 2006 on the basis of a proposal made by Malaysia-based construction firm Azimat Consortium.
In its proposal, the firm said it would take five years to complete the construction. After operating for 30 years and recovering the investment through collecting toll, the expressway will be handed over to the government, it proposed.
The communications ministry upon securitisation forwarded the proposal to the high-powered private infrastructure committee (PICOM). The proposal was then placed before the cabinet for final approval.
The proposal includes an option that 20 percent of the construction work would be given to local contractors and an "umbrella scheme" would be implemented to assist them.
The PD said the government would look for the companies who would take bigger risk to invest in the project. He expressed the hope that construction of the highway would begin after a year by completing all formalities.
Asked about the Malaysian firm, he said it will be considered pre-qualified due to its proposal but it has to take part in the race with other firms.
The narrow Dhaka-Chittagong Highway is now in a dismal state which not only eats up valuable time but also incurs huge loss to economy.
"The national highway is considered to be the most important highway and lifeline of commerce in Bangladesh; and carries port and other traffic to Dhaka and other places in the country," reads the executive summary of the project.
Officials at RHD say the second national highway is crucial for smooth passage of increasing number of vehicles and to check deaths of hundreds of people in accidents every year.
Monday, September 22, 2008
A group of adibashi performers in Netrakona
‘Ramola Dancing Group' at Gopalpur, under Durgapur upazila in Netrakona district, is fast gaining recognition in the area.
Ramola Hajong, an artiste trained at the Birishiri Upajatiyo Cultural Academy, formed the dance group two years ago. Currently the group has 20 members -- all of whom are members of the Hajong community and have been trained by Ramola with the help of Rasimoni Kalayan Trust and SARA (two local NGOs in Durgapur).
The dance group usually performs traditional pieces at programmes. The founder of the group Ramola said, “I want to emphasise on and represent our indigenous traditions through the group's performances.”
She added that there was no Hajong cultural troupe and she wanted to represent the community she belonged to and introduce traditional dance of the Hajongs to the outsiders. Ramola said that she received help from Sawpon Hajong, general secretary of Rasimoni Kalayan Trust, in this regard.
An optimistic Ramola seems eager to work towards her goal.
Ramola Hajong, an artiste trained at the Birishiri Upajatiyo Cultural Academy, formed the dance group two years ago. Currently the group has 20 members -- all of whom are members of the Hajong community and have been trained by Ramola with the help of Rasimoni Kalayan Trust and SARA (two local NGOs in Durgapur).
The dance group usually performs traditional pieces at programmes. The founder of the group Ramola said, “I want to emphasise on and represent our indigenous traditions through the group's performances.”
She added that there was no Hajong cultural troupe and she wanted to represent the community she belonged to and introduce traditional dance of the Hajongs to the outsiders. Ramola said that she received help from Sawpon Hajong, general secretary of Rasimoni Kalayan Trust, in this regard.
An optimistic Ramola seems eager to work towards her goal.
Bangladeshi and Thai landscapes on canvas Exhibition at Drik Gallery
To celebrate the 36th anniversary of Bangladesh-Thailand diplomatic relations, the Royal Thai Embassy has organised a joint watercolour exhibition at the Drik Gallery in Dhanmondi to highlight Thailand as seen by budding Bangladeshi artists, as well as Bangladesh seen by a prominent Thai watercolourist Dr. Suchart Vongthong. This veteran painter has also organised a workshop, which aims at sharing his experiences and skills with the promising painters of Bangladesh.
Watercolour is a medium where an artist can emphasise on serenity. The medium is very significant for its transparent, lucid temperament. Besides, it is an easy, economical and concise medium that can easily express the emotions, illusions and sensibility of the artist. The simplification of colour and its absorbing process are the main feature of watercolour technique.
In this exhibition, Bangladeshi painters have portrayed markets, temples, culture, traditions, festivals, landscapes, the way of life and the scenic beauty of Siam. A total of 28 painters have participated in the workshop conducted by Dr. Vongthong with nature as the dominant facet. The works are very vibrant and object-oriented. The mystery of mountains is incorporated in an animated way.
Another aspect of the participants' works is the expression of pure and pleasant perspectives. Most of the paintings try to avoid extraneous objects. And because of that, the paintings have a feeling of openness and freedom.
On the other hand, Dr. Vongthong is fascinated by the urban life in Dhaka. The city seems cheerful and humming with activity to the artist. City dwellers appear in his works. Other subjects are rickshaws, traffic jams, fruit markets, elderly women, life on Buriganga and different portions of Narayanganj.
Brilliant colours forming landscapes complemented by figures form a trademark in Dr. Vongthong's works. His paintings are tranquil depictions of nature and his strokes are refined and polished. In his uncomplicated compositions, colours like reds, blacks, emerald green, beige, yellow, azure and crimson are dominating. The themes are simple but his skilled artistic hand transforms them into something extraordinary.
The exhibition ends on September 27.
Watercolour is a medium where an artist can emphasise on serenity. The medium is very significant for its transparent, lucid temperament. Besides, it is an easy, economical and concise medium that can easily express the emotions, illusions and sensibility of the artist. The simplification of colour and its absorbing process are the main feature of watercolour technique.
In this exhibition, Bangladeshi painters have portrayed markets, temples, culture, traditions, festivals, landscapes, the way of life and the scenic beauty of Siam. A total of 28 painters have participated in the workshop conducted by Dr. Vongthong with nature as the dominant facet. The works are very vibrant and object-oriented. The mystery of mountains is incorporated in an animated way.
Another aspect of the participants' works is the expression of pure and pleasant perspectives. Most of the paintings try to avoid extraneous objects. And because of that, the paintings have a feeling of openness and freedom.
On the other hand, Dr. Vongthong is fascinated by the urban life in Dhaka. The city seems cheerful and humming with activity to the artist. City dwellers appear in his works. Other subjects are rickshaws, traffic jams, fruit markets, elderly women, life on Buriganga and different portions of Narayanganj.
Brilliant colours forming landscapes complemented by figures form a trademark in Dr. Vongthong's works. His paintings are tranquil depictions of nature and his strokes are refined and polished. In his uncomplicated compositions, colours like reds, blacks, emerald green, beige, yellow, azure and crimson are dominating. The themes are simple but his skilled artistic hand transforms them into something extraordinary.
The exhibition ends on September 27.
Mufti Hannan among 6 Huji men charge-sheeted
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday filed charge sheet against outlawed Harkat-ul-Jihad (Huji) chief Mufti Abdul Hannan and five other Huji men in the case for much-talked grenade attack in front of Gulshan Centre in Sylhet city four years ago.
Investigation officer Inspector Zubayer Ahmed of CID, Sylhet submitted the charge sheet with the Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court for the incident that claimed the life of an Awami League leader and injured about 40 others.
Sylhet Mayor Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran escaped unhurt it as he had left the scene minutes ago.
As a meeting of the city AL ended and party men were coming out of Gulshan Centre at about 8:00pm of August 7 in 2004, a grenade exploded on the premises of the multi-storied hotel. City AL's publicity secretary Md Ibrahim Ali died in the hospital while 40 others sustained wounds. Several people had to take treatment abroad for months and a few others became crippled. The blast also destroyed two cars on the spot.
The then senior ASP Munshi Atiqur Rahman of CID was made the investigation officer, who managed a so-called confessional statement from Belal Ahmed, a guard of a house adjacent to the hotel. Belal in his statement hinted the grenade was thrown by a bearded man like Ibrahim.
Following the attack, law enforcers arrested expatriate AL leader SM Nunu Miah from the hotel and about 30 others including Jubo League and Chhatra league activists, triggering much commotion among the AL's rank and file. The arrestees were, however, later released on bail.
After Munshi went on retirement in October last year, Inspector Zubayer was made investigation officer, who later claimed major development in the investigation.
He told The Daily Star yesterday that the statement given by Belal is not at all acceptable while expatriate AL leader SM Nunu Miah and several other arrestees had no link with the grenade attack.
“Charges against eight people in connection with the case have been established. We submitted charge sheet against six people while one is dead and the other's whereabouts could not be known,” he said.
Huji leader Mufti Abdul Hannan and his accomplice Sharif Shahedul Alam Bipul had already given confessional statement in this regard, sources said.
Mufti in his statement before a Dhaka court and Bipul in his statement in a Sylhet court said the attackers wanted to crush the AL leadership in Sylhet region. The plan of attack was taken at a house at Badda in the capital while Mufti Hannan was the main planner.
The six charge-sheeted accused are Mufti Abdul Hannan, Abu Zandal alias Mufti Main Uddin, Mufti Hannan's brother Muhibullah alias Mofizul Islam alias Ovi, Sharif Shahedul Alam Bipul, Delwar Hossain Ripon and Humayun Kabir Himu. The first five people are in jail while Himu had been absconding, the charge sheet said.
Accused Ahsanullah Kajol earlier died. Another accused Fakhrul Islam Fahim has been missing. He would be included in the charge sheet after getting his whereabouts, Inspector Zubayer said.
About 50 party men including city AL Secretary Misbah Uddin Siraj gave their statements before the law enforcers in this connection.
Investigation officer Inspector Zubayer Ahmed of CID, Sylhet submitted the charge sheet with the Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court for the incident that claimed the life of an Awami League leader and injured about 40 others.
Sylhet Mayor Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran escaped unhurt it as he had left the scene minutes ago.
As a meeting of the city AL ended and party men were coming out of Gulshan Centre at about 8:00pm of August 7 in 2004, a grenade exploded on the premises of the multi-storied hotel. City AL's publicity secretary Md Ibrahim Ali died in the hospital while 40 others sustained wounds. Several people had to take treatment abroad for months and a few others became crippled. The blast also destroyed two cars on the spot.
The then senior ASP Munshi Atiqur Rahman of CID was made the investigation officer, who managed a so-called confessional statement from Belal Ahmed, a guard of a house adjacent to the hotel. Belal in his statement hinted the grenade was thrown by a bearded man like Ibrahim.
Following the attack, law enforcers arrested expatriate AL leader SM Nunu Miah from the hotel and about 30 others including Jubo League and Chhatra league activists, triggering much commotion among the AL's rank and file. The arrestees were, however, later released on bail.
After Munshi went on retirement in October last year, Inspector Zubayer was made investigation officer, who later claimed major development in the investigation.
He told The Daily Star yesterday that the statement given by Belal is not at all acceptable while expatriate AL leader SM Nunu Miah and several other arrestees had no link with the grenade attack.
“Charges against eight people in connection with the case have been established. We submitted charge sheet against six people while one is dead and the other's whereabouts could not be known,” he said.
Huji leader Mufti Abdul Hannan and his accomplice Sharif Shahedul Alam Bipul had already given confessional statement in this regard, sources said.
Mufti in his statement before a Dhaka court and Bipul in his statement in a Sylhet court said the attackers wanted to crush the AL leadership in Sylhet region. The plan of attack was taken at a house at Badda in the capital while Mufti Hannan was the main planner.
The six charge-sheeted accused are Mufti Abdul Hannan, Abu Zandal alias Mufti Main Uddin, Mufti Hannan's brother Muhibullah alias Mofizul Islam alias Ovi, Sharif Shahedul Alam Bipul, Delwar Hossain Ripon and Humayun Kabir Himu. The first five people are in jail while Himu had been absconding, the charge sheet said.
Accused Ahsanullah Kajol earlier died. Another accused Fakhrul Islam Fahim has been missing. He would be included in the charge sheet after getting his whereabouts, Inspector Zubayer said.
About 50 party men including city AL Secretary Misbah Uddin Siraj gave their statements before the law enforcers in this connection.
Pirates rule coasts as shoals of hilsha in water Prices fall by Tk 100 per kg following good catches but 35 trawlers looted, 30 fishermen abducted in
Hilsa fishes are being netted in plenty in Patuakhali and Barguna coasts for last four days but fishermen are afraid of going to the sea due to rampant piracy.
At least 35 fishing trawlers were looted and 30 fishermen abducted by pirates in last five says. The victim fishermen brought freedom after payment of ransom and returned to Kakata and Pathorghata coasts.
With arrival of boatloads of Hilsha, both fishermen and traders are busy; and fish landing stations and markets are abuzz.
Prices of the delicious fish have also come down in local markets.
said at least 300 trawlers from the area are busy netting Hilsa in the Bay.
Thirty to forty trawlers reach Mohipur daily with Hilsa. “We are getting Hilsa as per our expectation since Friday, said Fazlu Gazi, president of fishing trawlers owners association in Mohipur.
Five to ten truckloads of Hilsa leave Mohipur for Dhaka and bordering areas of Khuna, Jessore and Benapole with export consignments, said its secretary Nimai Chandra.
This correspondent while visiting Mohipur yesterday saw one mound (40 kgs) of big size Hilsa (over 1 kg apiece) was sold at Tk 10,500 to 12,000, which was Tk 14,000 to 14,500 a week back. Prices of Hilsa less then one kilogram was Tk 10,000 to 11,500 a maund, which was Tk 11,500 to 12,000 two days back.
In local markets, per kg Hilsa is sells at Tk 250 to 300, which was Tk 350 to 400 two days back.
Fishermen and traders said the prices would reduce further if piracy can be stopped.
On Saturday, six fishermen were kidnapped and 12 trawlers were looted in the deep sea, trawler owners said.
On September 19, about Tk one crore was looted in fishes, nets, fuel and cash from 12 trawlers. Ten fishermen were abducted and 13 injured in the attack on trawlers that included FB Sapan, FB Rakib and FB Mayer Doa.
On September 17 pirates kidnapped 14 fishermen from 10 fishing trawlers on the sea about 50 kilometres southeast of Pathorghata in Barguna coast. The looted trawlers included FB Janasi, FB Molla , FB Mohima and FB Kabir.
On September 14, a pirate was killed in a fight with Rapid Action Battalion (Rab-8) at Pathorghata under Barguna when the gang was preparing for piracy. Rab members recovered a revolver and a made pipe gun.
Piracy increased as lots of Hilsa are netted now, said Abdus Salam, president of trawler owners association in Mohipur.
The victim fishermen said pirate gangs have introduced 'token' for trawlers, which have to be collected after meeting their demands.
They showed a token in which name of the trawler is written on one side and signature of the issuing person on the other side.
When contacted, Maj. Habibur Rahmab of Rab-8 in Patuakhali, said, “We are trying our best to nab the pirates.
A Coast Guard official in Bhola told this correspondent over cell phone that a drive against pirates would be launched in the Bay soon. He however said they have shortage of vessels.
At least 35 fishing trawlers were looted and 30 fishermen abducted by pirates in last five says. The victim fishermen brought freedom after payment of ransom and returned to Kakata and Pathorghata coasts.
With arrival of boatloads of Hilsha, both fishermen and traders are busy; and fish landing stations and markets are abuzz.
Prices of the delicious fish have also come down in local markets.
said at least 300 trawlers from the area are busy netting Hilsa in the Bay.
Thirty to forty trawlers reach Mohipur daily with Hilsa. “We are getting Hilsa as per our expectation since Friday, said Fazlu Gazi, president of fishing trawlers owners association in Mohipur.
Five to ten truckloads of Hilsa leave Mohipur for Dhaka and bordering areas of Khuna, Jessore and Benapole with export consignments, said its secretary Nimai Chandra.
This correspondent while visiting Mohipur yesterday saw one mound (40 kgs) of big size Hilsa (over 1 kg apiece) was sold at Tk 10,500 to 12,000, which was Tk 14,000 to 14,500 a week back. Prices of Hilsa less then one kilogram was Tk 10,000 to 11,500 a maund, which was Tk 11,500 to 12,000 two days back.
In local markets, per kg Hilsa is sells at Tk 250 to 300, which was Tk 350 to 400 two days back.
Fishermen and traders said the prices would reduce further if piracy can be stopped.
On Saturday, six fishermen were kidnapped and 12 trawlers were looted in the deep sea, trawler owners said.
On September 19, about Tk one crore was looted in fishes, nets, fuel and cash from 12 trawlers. Ten fishermen were abducted and 13 injured in the attack on trawlers that included FB Sapan, FB Rakib and FB Mayer Doa.
On September 17 pirates kidnapped 14 fishermen from 10 fishing trawlers on the sea about 50 kilometres southeast of Pathorghata in Barguna coast. The looted trawlers included FB Janasi, FB Molla , FB Mohima and FB Kabir.
On September 14, a pirate was killed in a fight with Rapid Action Battalion (Rab-8) at Pathorghata under Barguna when the gang was preparing for piracy. Rab members recovered a revolver and a made pipe gun.
Piracy increased as lots of Hilsa are netted now, said Abdus Salam, president of trawler owners association in Mohipur.
The victim fishermen said pirate gangs have introduced 'token' for trawlers, which have to be collected after meeting their demands.
They showed a token in which name of the trawler is written on one side and signature of the issuing person on the other side.
When contacted, Maj. Habibur Rahmab of Rab-8 in Patuakhali, said, “We are trying our best to nab the pirates.
A Coast Guard official in Bhola told this correspondent over cell phone that a drive against pirates would be launched in the Bay soon. He however said they have shortage of vessels.
Party men boycott 'reformist' ex-BNP MP Anwar in Pabna
Majority of BNP leaders boycotted a party meeting of Chatmohor unit of the party called by 'reformist' leader and former lawmaker Anwarul Islam on Saturday, party sources said.
This was the first meeting of the party unit, held at his residence, since allowing political activities.
Former MP KM Anwarul Islam, elected from Pabna-3 constituency, was accused in several cases including one for misappropriating government CI sheets. Taking the permanent bail from the High Court, the former MP came to Chatmohar and started political activities again. But most party leaders boycotted the meeting, branding him a reformist, the sources said. Anwarul is also president of Chatmaohar upazila BNP.
“Most BNP leaders here boycotted Anwar as he sided with reformists”, said party leader Mohammed Ali, chairman of Chatmohar Upazila Parishad.
At least 40 leaders holding party posts in the upazila including vice- president Sultan Mahmud, joint secretary Ismail Hossain, law affairs secretary Gias Uddin Chairman boycotted the meeting, he said.
“Former MP Anwar is a reformist. So mainstream BNP leaders and activists boycotted him”, said Md. Gias Uddin.
Anwar went into hiding after joint forces recovered CI sheets from his house. Later, some cases were filed against him.
Mof Chatmohar municipality and president of Chatmohar Uoura BNP Md. Abdul Mannan said Anwar does not belong to the mainstream of BNP. So he has no relation with the party mainstream, he said.
Twenty-five to thirty activists loyal to him attended the meeting, he claimed..
When contacted, Anwar refuted the allegation. “Most of the party men took part in the meeting”, he said.
Some party men who do not like me boycotted the meeting.
He said party chief Begum Zia ordered all to work together for the coming national polls.
This was the first meeting of the party unit, held at his residence, since allowing political activities.
Former MP KM Anwarul Islam, elected from Pabna-3 constituency, was accused in several cases including one for misappropriating government CI sheets. Taking the permanent bail from the High Court, the former MP came to Chatmohar and started political activities again. But most party leaders boycotted the meeting, branding him a reformist, the sources said. Anwarul is also president of Chatmaohar upazila BNP.
“Most BNP leaders here boycotted Anwar as he sided with reformists”, said party leader Mohammed Ali, chairman of Chatmohar Upazila Parishad.
At least 40 leaders holding party posts in the upazila including vice- president Sultan Mahmud, joint secretary Ismail Hossain, law affairs secretary Gias Uddin Chairman boycotted the meeting, he said.
“Former MP Anwar is a reformist. So mainstream BNP leaders and activists boycotted him”, said Md. Gias Uddin.
Anwar went into hiding after joint forces recovered CI sheets from his house. Later, some cases were filed against him.
Mof Chatmohar municipality and president of Chatmohar Uoura BNP Md. Abdul Mannan said Anwar does not belong to the mainstream of BNP. So he has no relation with the party mainstream, he said.
Twenty-five to thirty activists loyal to him attended the meeting, he claimed..
When contacted, Anwar refuted the allegation. “Most of the party men took part in the meeting”, he said.
Some party men who do not like me boycotted the meeting.
He said party chief Begum Zia ordered all to work together for the coming national polls.
BNP-Jamaat try to dominate Satkhira Red Crescent Life members want cancellation of Sept 25 meet
The life members of Satkhira Red Crescent Society at a meeting yesterday protested convening the general meeting of local Red Crescent Society by its local officials violating the constitution.
The so-called general meeting was called at Kharibilla, about five kilometres off the district town, to form the unit committee with local leaders and activists of BNP and Jamaat, they said at the protest meeting at Satkhira Press Club.
Most of the life and general members are yet to get notice of the meeting announced for September 25 as BNP and Jamaat leaders who are still working as its officials are hatching conspiracy to form the committee with leaders and activists of BNP and Jamaat, they said.
Similar case happened during the rule of immediate past BNP-Jamaat-led alliance rule, they said.
They urged the government and central Red Crescent Society authorities to stop the meeting that was convened to form a partisan committee.
They also urged people to resist local BNP-Jamaat leaders' move to politicise the reputable international organisation.
They said acting president of the society Dr Shahidul Alam, also a central leader of BNP-backed organisation DAB, a , distributed 1,500 forms to district Jamaat secretary Nurul Huda, BNP leaders Sirajul Islam and Asduzzaman Asad who secretly enlisted their party activists as general members.
Dr Shahidul Alam who got BNP ticket to contest postponed parliamentary election on January 22 last year from Satkhira-4 (Kaliganj-Debhata) constituency is an aspirant to contest the next election.
Speakers at the meeting at Satkhira Press Club urged the life members to join another meeting on the same venue today to chalk out further course of action.
They said they will submit a memorandum to the chief adviser to the caretaker government tomorrow to press home their demand.
Among others, advocate Abdur Rahim, Firoz Ahmed, Sheikh Nizam Uddin, Ramkrishna Chakraborty, M Kamruzzaman, Saiful Karim Sabu, Ruhul Quddus, Mostafizur Rahman Ujjal, Kazi Moina, Sheikh Touhidur Rahman Dablu addressed the meeting presided over by Prof Abu Ahmed.
The meeting also formed a 13-member action committee with advocate Abdur Rahim and Prof Abu Ahmed as convenor and member secretary to resist 'the conspiracy'.
The so-called general meeting was called at Kharibilla, about five kilometres off the district town, to form the unit committee with local leaders and activists of BNP and Jamaat, they said at the protest meeting at Satkhira Press Club.
Most of the life and general members are yet to get notice of the meeting announced for September 25 as BNP and Jamaat leaders who are still working as its officials are hatching conspiracy to form the committee with leaders and activists of BNP and Jamaat, they said.
Similar case happened during the rule of immediate past BNP-Jamaat-led alliance rule, they said.
They urged the government and central Red Crescent Society authorities to stop the meeting that was convened to form a partisan committee.
They also urged people to resist local BNP-Jamaat leaders' move to politicise the reputable international organisation.
They said acting president of the society Dr Shahidul Alam, also a central leader of BNP-backed organisation DAB, a , distributed 1,500 forms to district Jamaat secretary Nurul Huda, BNP leaders Sirajul Islam and Asduzzaman Asad who secretly enlisted their party activists as general members.
Dr Shahidul Alam who got BNP ticket to contest postponed parliamentary election on January 22 last year from Satkhira-4 (Kaliganj-Debhata) constituency is an aspirant to contest the next election.
Speakers at the meeting at Satkhira Press Club urged the life members to join another meeting on the same venue today to chalk out further course of action.
They said they will submit a memorandum to the chief adviser to the caretaker government tomorrow to press home their demand.
Among others, advocate Abdur Rahim, Firoz Ahmed, Sheikh Nizam Uddin, Ramkrishna Chakraborty, M Kamruzzaman, Saiful Karim Sabu, Ruhul Quddus, Mostafizur Rahman Ujjal, Kazi Moina, Sheikh Touhidur Rahman Dablu addressed the meeting presided over by Prof Abu Ahmed.
The meeting also formed a 13-member action committee with advocate Abdur Rahim and Prof Abu Ahmed as convenor and member secretary to resist 'the conspiracy'.
Khagrachhari dist BNP convening body dissolved
Khagrachhari District BNP convening committee which was formed by some BNP leaders on September 9 was dissolved yesterday following protests from Wadud Bhuiyan's group, party sources said.
The 11-member convening committee was formed to operate party activities in eight upazilas ignoring former law maker Wadud Bhuiyan and other dedicated leaders, they said.
District BNP press secretary Mohammad Nazrul Islam, in a press release issued here yesterday, declared abolition of the committee.
The committee was dissolved as most of party leaders protested its formation causing division in party, he said.
Wadud Bhuiyan also suggested dissolution of the 11- member committee locally known as Belayet-Salam-Nazrul committee, sources said.
The committee was formed at a meeting held at the residence of Khagrachhari Hill District Council chairman Monindra Lal Tripura where 'corrupt' Ramghor Upazila BNP president Belayet Hossen Bhuiyan was made its convener, they said.
Belayet Bhuiyan came out of jail on August 10 after being granted bail in 18 corruption cases.
The 11-member convening committee was formed to operate party activities in eight upazilas ignoring former law maker Wadud Bhuiyan and other dedicated leaders, they said.
District BNP press secretary Mohammad Nazrul Islam, in a press release issued here yesterday, declared abolition of the committee.
The committee was dissolved as most of party leaders protested its formation causing division in party, he said.
Wadud Bhuiyan also suggested dissolution of the 11- member committee locally known as Belayet-Salam-Nazrul committee, sources said.
The committee was formed at a meeting held at the residence of Khagrachhari Hill District Council chairman Monindra Lal Tripura where 'corrupt' Ramghor Upazila BNP president Belayet Hossen Bhuiyan was made its convener, they said.
Belayet Bhuiyan came out of jail on August 10 after being granted bail in 18 corruption cases.
Record coal extracted at Barapukuria Smooth running of power plant stressed
Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Ltd (BCMCL) on Saturday made a new record by extracting the highest quantity coal in a day since it started operation in 2005.
The mining authorities feared that the coal yard might be filled up within next month, creating a threat of 'spontaneous combustion' of coal if two units of the technically-flawed 250megawatt (MW) power plant is not run continuously.
The mining company extracted 4,475 metric tonnes (MT) of coal from Coal Phase-1104 on Saturday. Miners have been extracting coal from the phase at the pace of 4,100MT coal per day for the last 10 days, mining officials said.
The two-unit power plant, commissioned in December 2005, seldom ran except for the period of June and July 2006.
Since January 2008, the power plant was shut down 11 times either for technical glitches or scheduled maintenance.
The two units consume 2,000 tonnes of coal daily if they operate properly.
The mining authorities feared that the coal yard might be filled up within next month, creating a threat of 'spontaneous combustion' of coal if two units of the technically-flawed 250megawatt (MW) power plant is not run continuously.
The mining company extracted 4,475 metric tonnes (MT) of coal from Coal Phase-1104 on Saturday. Miners have been extracting coal from the phase at the pace of 4,100MT coal per day for the last 10 days, mining officials said.
The two-unit power plant, commissioned in December 2005, seldom ran except for the period of June and July 2006.
Since January 2008, the power plant was shut down 11 times either for technical glitches or scheduled maintenance.
The two units consume 2,000 tonnes of coal daily if they operate properly.
Khagrachhari dist BNP convening body dissolved
Khagrachhari District BNP convening committee which was formed by some BNP leaders on September 9 was dissolved yesterday following protests from Wadud Bhuiyan's group, party sources said.
The 11-member convening committee was formed to operate party activities in eight upazilas ignoring former law maker Wadud Bhuiyan and other dedicated leaders, they said.
District BNP press secretary Mohammad Nazrul Islam, in a press release issued here yesterday, declared abolition of the committee.
The committee was dissolved as most of party leaders protested its formation causing division in party, he said.
Wadud Bhuiyan also suggested dissolution of the 11- member committee locally known as Belayet-Salam-Nazrul committee, sources said.
The committee was formed at a meeting held at the residence of Khagrachhari Hill District Council chairman Monindra Lal Tripura where 'corrupt' Ramghor Upazila BNP president Belayet Hossen Bhuiyan was made its convener, they said.
Belayet Bhuiyan came out of jail on August 10 after being granted bail in 18 corruption cases.
The 11-member convening committee was formed to operate party activities in eight upazilas ignoring former law maker Wadud Bhuiyan and other dedicated leaders, they said.
District BNP press secretary Mohammad Nazrul Islam, in a press release issued here yesterday, declared abolition of the committee.
The committee was dissolved as most of party leaders protested its formation causing division in party, he said.
Wadud Bhuiyan also suggested dissolution of the 11- member committee locally known as Belayet-Salam-Nazrul committee, sources said.
The committee was formed at a meeting held at the residence of Khagrachhari Hill District Council chairman Monindra Lal Tripura where 'corrupt' Ramghor Upazila BNP president Belayet Hossen Bhuiyan was made its convener, they said.
Belayet Bhuiyan came out of jail on August 10 after being granted bail in 18 corruption cases.
First Jatiya Mahle Festival in Rajshahi today
Leaders of indigenous Mahle community in Rajshahi have demanded constitutional recognition of their rights and protection of their lands from grabbers.
Mahli Adibashi Artho-Samajik (socio-economical) Unnayan Sangastha (MASAUS) and Mahle Dighar Baisi Bangladesh on Sunday jointly held a press conference at Rajshahi Press Club where their leaders announced that the first Jitiya Mahle Festival will be held on Monday at Baganpara village in Godagari upazila.
There are around 30,000 Mahle indigenous peoples in the country, they said.
Mahli Adibashi Artho-Samajik (socio-economical) Unnayan Sangastha (MASAUS) and Mahle Dighar Baisi Bangladesh on Sunday jointly held a press conference at Rajshahi Press Club where their leaders announced that the first Jitiya Mahle Festival will be held on Monday at Baganpara village in Godagari upazila.
There are around 30,000 Mahle indigenous peoples in the country, they said.
Vast lands fallow for want of a culvert
In absence of a culvert on a road of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), serious waterlogging has affected Sanjabpur village in Kamalganj upazila under the district.
Thirty-five acres of paddy field and several dwelling houses have already been damaged due to the waterlogging, villagers said.
Due to the situation, this year farmers have left much of their Aus and Aman paddy lands uncultivated and it caused loss of several lakh taka.
Affected farmers Alkas Ali, Tajul Islam, Salam Miah, Mokaddas Ali, Mujahid Ali and Tajammul Ali said they have submitted applications to Moulvibazar deputy commissioner, Kamalganj upazila nirbahi officer and RHD executive engineer at Moulvibazar several times to solve the problem.
One of them said he received 'unwanted behaviour' from the executive engineer of RHD at Moulvibazar when he went to submit an application on September 18.
When this correspondent tried to contact with the Executive Engineer of RHD over telephone two times, he received phone calls but soon the connections were cut.
Contacted, Kamalganj UNO Musammat Hazera Begum said she will take steps to solve the waterlogging problem in Sanjabpur village.
Thirty-five acres of paddy field and several dwelling houses have already been damaged due to the waterlogging, villagers said.
Due to the situation, this year farmers have left much of their Aus and Aman paddy lands uncultivated and it caused loss of several lakh taka.
Affected farmers Alkas Ali, Tajul Islam, Salam Miah, Mokaddas Ali, Mujahid Ali and Tajammul Ali said they have submitted applications to Moulvibazar deputy commissioner, Kamalganj upazila nirbahi officer and RHD executive engineer at Moulvibazar several times to solve the problem.
One of them said he received 'unwanted behaviour' from the executive engineer of RHD at Moulvibazar when he went to submit an application on September 18.
When this correspondent tried to contact with the Executive Engineer of RHD over telephone two times, he received phone calls but soon the connections were cut.
Contacted, Kamalganj UNO Musammat Hazera Begum said she will take steps to solve the waterlogging problem in Sanjabpur village.
Selectors bring back trio
As expected new faces have crowded when the national selectors announced a 24-member preliminary squad on Sunday for the upcoming home series against New Zealand and the tour of South Africa.
The departure of some national players who have joined rebel Indian Cricket League (NCL) to receive a ten-year ban by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) forced the selectors to bring back opener Nafis Iqbal, middle-order batsmen Tushar Imran and Rajin Saleh and left-arm spinner Enamul Haque.
On the other hand, uncapped players like opener Imrul Kayes, young middle order batsmen Shamsur Rahman and Nayeem Islam, left-arm spinner Suharwardi Shuvo, paceman Mahbubul Alam and wicketkeeper Sahagir Hossain were drafted into the senior side to fill up the vacuum. Except Sahagir, all the uncapped players are now touring with the GP-BCB National Cricket Academy team in Sri Lanka.
The training camp under the guidance of Jamie Siddons, who returned from Australia early morning of Sunday, will start today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur for next month's three-match one-day and two-match Test series against New Zealand.
The Tigers will play one Twenty20 International, three ODIs and two Tests in South Africa in November-December.
Nafis Iqbal, the nephew of former national skipper Akram Khan and the elder brother of national opener Tamim Iqbal, whose inclusion was the most significant as the right-hander, who played 11 Tests and 16 ODIs, returned to the national fold after more than two years of wilderness.
"There is no question about his potential and sometimes he wasn't consider because of injury. Nafis's last season domestic performance was also not bad. He informed me that he is not fit and practicing but we can only confirm about his fitness while our national physio (Darryl Lifson) gave the green signal," said chief selector Rafiqul Alam.
"Players like Rajin (Saleh) and Tushar (Imran) were always in our consideration but definitely the sudden vacuum made the way for them to be recalled in the national side. And you must understand that we always have limited options," he said.
The former national player was very much optimistic with the fresh inclusions.
"We were lucky enough that these particular players had been playing continuously with the A team or the Academy. And I believe there are some players who have the potential to serve the national team for long," Rafiqul hoped.
"Lets see how these young guys take the opportunity. You never know they might be better than the lost ones," he said.
Rafiqul informed that left-arm seamer Syed Rasel is fully fit but middle-order batsman Rokibul Hasan, who suffered finger-injury during the one-day series in Australia, will be fit within the first week of next month.
"Rasel is fully fit but Rokibul will be okay before the series. On the other hand Mashrafe (Bin Mortaza) is sick," he informed.
PRELIMINARY SQUAD
Tamim Iqbal, Zunaed Siddiqui, Mohammad Ashraful, Rokibul Hassan, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehrab Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Syed Rasel, Nazmul Hossain, Mahmudullah Riyad, Dollar Mahmud, Nafis Iqbal, Rajin Saleh, Tushar Imran, Enamul Haque, Imrul Kayes, Shamsur Rahman, Nayeem Islam, Sohrawordi Shuvo, Mahbubul Alam and Sahagir Hossain (wicketkeeper).
The departure of some national players who have joined rebel Indian Cricket League (NCL) to receive a ten-year ban by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) forced the selectors to bring back opener Nafis Iqbal, middle-order batsmen Tushar Imran and Rajin Saleh and left-arm spinner Enamul Haque.
On the other hand, uncapped players like opener Imrul Kayes, young middle order batsmen Shamsur Rahman and Nayeem Islam, left-arm spinner Suharwardi Shuvo, paceman Mahbubul Alam and wicketkeeper Sahagir Hossain were drafted into the senior side to fill up the vacuum. Except Sahagir, all the uncapped players are now touring with the GP-BCB National Cricket Academy team in Sri Lanka.
The training camp under the guidance of Jamie Siddons, who returned from Australia early morning of Sunday, will start today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur for next month's three-match one-day and two-match Test series against New Zealand.
The Tigers will play one Twenty20 International, three ODIs and two Tests in South Africa in November-December.
Nafis Iqbal, the nephew of former national skipper Akram Khan and the elder brother of national opener Tamim Iqbal, whose inclusion was the most significant as the right-hander, who played 11 Tests and 16 ODIs, returned to the national fold after more than two years of wilderness.
"There is no question about his potential and sometimes he wasn't consider because of injury. Nafis's last season domestic performance was also not bad. He informed me that he is not fit and practicing but we can only confirm about his fitness while our national physio (Darryl Lifson) gave the green signal," said chief selector Rafiqul Alam.
"Players like Rajin (Saleh) and Tushar (Imran) were always in our consideration but definitely the sudden vacuum made the way for them to be recalled in the national side. And you must understand that we always have limited options," he said.
The former national player was very much optimistic with the fresh inclusions.
"We were lucky enough that these particular players had been playing continuously with the A team or the Academy. And I believe there are some players who have the potential to serve the national team for long," Rafiqul hoped.
"Lets see how these young guys take the opportunity. You never know they might be better than the lost ones," he said.
Rafiqul informed that left-arm seamer Syed Rasel is fully fit but middle-order batsman Rokibul Hasan, who suffered finger-injury during the one-day series in Australia, will be fit within the first week of next month.
"Rasel is fully fit but Rokibul will be okay before the series. On the other hand Mashrafe (Bin Mortaza) is sick," he informed.
PRELIMINARY SQUAD
Tamim Iqbal, Zunaed Siddiqui, Mohammad Ashraful, Rokibul Hassan, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehrab Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Syed Rasel, Nazmul Hossain, Mahmudullah Riyad, Dollar Mahmud, Nafis Iqbal, Rajin Saleh, Tushar Imran, Enamul Haque, Imrul Kayes, Shamsur Rahman, Nayeem Islam, Sohrawordi Shuvo, Mahbubul Alam and Sahagir Hossain (wicketkeeper).
Ctg MSC stop Russel
Sheikh Russel's bid to remain on top of the City-cell B. League table after two rounds came to a pause when they drew 1-1 away at Chittagong against the local Mohammedan.
It was Chittagong Mohamme-dan's second draw that came after their Guinean captain Camara converted a 57th minute penalty to cancel the visitors' first-half lead given by Alfaz Ahmed at the MA Aziz Stadium here yesterday.
Parvez Babu, who conceded the spotkick, was later sent off for a second bookable offence as Russel -- 3-2 winners against Farashganj in the opening round -- were reduced to ten men for the last 20 minutes.
The visitors went ahead after 37 minutes when veteran striker Alfaz, who had also opened Russel's scoring against Farashganj, utilised a through-pass from Moroccan midfielder Said who won a first-team place after missing the first game.
Parvez Babu then threw a lifeline to the local side when the former national midfielder-turned fullback tackled Mohammedan substitute Touhid inside penalty area.
Camara made no mistake to fire the ball past Russel's second-choice keeper Azam Biplab to equalise and push their collection to two points after a 1-1 opening round against Brothers Union.
The port-city Black and Whites, whose short-pass based game created several chances, could not add to the scoring due to poor finishing.
Liberian forward Anthony Doe headed a throw-in from right sideline over the Russel goal after 14 minutes while Guinean recruit Raphael, who went past the whole rival backline on a dazzling run minutes after the Alfaz goal, saw his powerful strike palmed away by the Blues custodian.
Camara also came close to level before the break but the midfielder's weak effort four minutes form halftime gave Azam no trouble.
Both teams got desperate for a winner after 1-1 and it resulted in a several cautions for the two sides and Parvez got his second yellow card for the marching order from referee Azad Rahman in the 71st minute for another foul on Touhid.
Bulbul, who started as Alfaz's striking partner in absence of Moroccan captain Touati Youness, raised hopes of full three points for the Dhaka giants but Mamun Khan made a fine save in the 65th minute under the Mohammedan goal, making all the top five of last season drop points inside the first two rounds.
Mohammedan coach Nazrul Islam Ledu, however, expressed his dissatisfaction over the performance of his team.
"Our players could not give their fifty percent as we were expecting to win due to absence of two of Russel's key Moroccan players Youness and Bourdif," Ledu said.
He also expressed his worries over the fixture as they will have to play their next round match in Dhaka on Wednesday.
"Tomorrow (Monday) is rest day for the players and we have to start for Dhaka on Tuesday to face Abahani. We don't know when our players will practise," he said adding that the authority should have considered the matter before preparing the fixture.
On the other hand, Russel's assistant coach Milon Molla blamed bad referring for their failure to win.
"The match was in our favour. But the 'controversial' penalty did not allow us to win," the former Dhaka Premier League goalkeeper said.
"Our target is win the league and this result was unexpected," he rued.
TEAMS
CHITTAGONG MOHAMMEDAN: Mamun, Sharif, Shawkat, Dhiman, Pradip, Lincoln (Touhid), Daulat, Camara, Doe (Jitu), Ridon (Chowmrin ) and Raphael.
SHEIKH RUSSEL: Biplab, Aminul, Hasan, Zahirul, Parvez, Saiful (Mobarak and Shahidur), Ighir, Said, Tanveer (Rakibul), Alfaz and Bulbul.
It was Chittagong Mohamme-dan's second draw that came after their Guinean captain Camara converted a 57th minute penalty to cancel the visitors' first-half lead given by Alfaz Ahmed at the MA Aziz Stadium here yesterday.
Parvez Babu, who conceded the spotkick, was later sent off for a second bookable offence as Russel -- 3-2 winners against Farashganj in the opening round -- were reduced to ten men for the last 20 minutes.
The visitors went ahead after 37 minutes when veteran striker Alfaz, who had also opened Russel's scoring against Farashganj, utilised a through-pass from Moroccan midfielder Said who won a first-team place after missing the first game.
Parvez Babu then threw a lifeline to the local side when the former national midfielder-turned fullback tackled Mohammedan substitute Touhid inside penalty area.
Camara made no mistake to fire the ball past Russel's second-choice keeper Azam Biplab to equalise and push their collection to two points after a 1-1 opening round against Brothers Union.
The port-city Black and Whites, whose short-pass based game created several chances, could not add to the scoring due to poor finishing.
Liberian forward Anthony Doe headed a throw-in from right sideline over the Russel goal after 14 minutes while Guinean recruit Raphael, who went past the whole rival backline on a dazzling run minutes after the Alfaz goal, saw his powerful strike palmed away by the Blues custodian.
Camara also came close to level before the break but the midfielder's weak effort four minutes form halftime gave Azam no trouble.
Both teams got desperate for a winner after 1-1 and it resulted in a several cautions for the two sides and Parvez got his second yellow card for the marching order from referee Azad Rahman in the 71st minute for another foul on Touhid.
Bulbul, who started as Alfaz's striking partner in absence of Moroccan captain Touati Youness, raised hopes of full three points for the Dhaka giants but Mamun Khan made a fine save in the 65th minute under the Mohammedan goal, making all the top five of last season drop points inside the first two rounds.
Mohammedan coach Nazrul Islam Ledu, however, expressed his dissatisfaction over the performance of his team.
"Our players could not give their fifty percent as we were expecting to win due to absence of two of Russel's key Moroccan players Youness and Bourdif," Ledu said.
He also expressed his worries over the fixture as they will have to play their next round match in Dhaka on Wednesday.
"Tomorrow (Monday) is rest day for the players and we have to start for Dhaka on Tuesday to face Abahani. We don't know when our players will practise," he said adding that the authority should have considered the matter before preparing the fixture.
On the other hand, Russel's assistant coach Milon Molla blamed bad referring for their failure to win.
"The match was in our favour. But the 'controversial' penalty did not allow us to win," the former Dhaka Premier League goalkeeper said.
"Our target is win the league and this result was unexpected," he rued.
TEAMS
CHITTAGONG MOHAMMEDAN: Mamun, Sharif, Shawkat, Dhiman, Pradip, Lincoln (Touhid), Daulat, Camara, Doe (Jitu), Ridon (Chowmrin ) and Raphael.
SHEIKH RUSSEL: Biplab, Aminul, Hasan, Zahirul, Parvez, Saiful (Mobarak and Shahidur), Ighir, Said, Tanveer (Rakibul), Alfaz and Bulbul.
Match fees for footballers
The National Team Management Committee (NTMC) is looking forward to introduce match fees for national footballers in near future.
"We are trying to inspire the players to work harder for the national team. So we have thought about bringing them under payroll," told NTMC chairman and Bangladesh Football Federation vice-president Badal Roy yesterday.
However, that would not be possible right at this moment and would have to wait until we get a sponsor to support them," told the former national captain.
"But for now, we want give them some incentive so they become more competitive and professional. Also, this support would give the booters feeling that they won't be deprived playing for the nation.
"We are contemplating 60 dollars match fee for each player of the starting line-up in an international match, 40 dollars for the reserve bench and 25 dollars for the standbys.
"Also we are planning to announce dollars 200 bonus for every player of the squad for an international win and 100 dollars for a draw," Badal informed.
The NTMC chief, however, mentioned that the whole thing was in the planning stage and will be discussed in the NTMC's meeting this week.
"The NMC will send the recommendations to the BFF for approval of the executive committee and I feel that this will get the nod for the players' sake. If we get the BFF's approval, it will be introduced from next month's Merdeka Cup in Malaysia.
"We will also offer payments only during national camps till we find a sponsor."
Badal added that the national players will be insured and will have Tk 20,000 coverage in case of accidental death, Tk 10,000 for natural death and about Tk 5-7 lakh for injuries.
It would only be applicable for one year after a player loses his place in the national team.
"We are trying to inspire the players to work harder for the national team. So we have thought about bringing them under payroll," told NTMC chairman and Bangladesh Football Federation vice-president Badal Roy yesterday.
However, that would not be possible right at this moment and would have to wait until we get a sponsor to support them," told the former national captain.
"But for now, we want give them some incentive so they become more competitive and professional. Also, this support would give the booters feeling that they won't be deprived playing for the nation.
"We are contemplating 60 dollars match fee for each player of the starting line-up in an international match, 40 dollars for the reserve bench and 25 dollars for the standbys.
"Also we are planning to announce dollars 200 bonus for every player of the squad for an international win and 100 dollars for a draw," Badal informed.
The NTMC chief, however, mentioned that the whole thing was in the planning stage and will be discussed in the NTMC's meeting this week.
"The NMC will send the recommendations to the BFF for approval of the executive committee and I feel that this will get the nod for the players' sake. If we get the BFF's approval, it will be introduced from next month's Merdeka Cup in Malaysia.
"We will also offer payments only during national camps till we find a sponsor."
Badal added that the national players will be insured and will have Tk 20,000 coverage in case of accidental death, Tk 10,000 for natural death and about Tk 5-7 lakh for injuries.
It would only be applicable for one year after a player loses his place in the national team.
Ziaur saves Academy
GP-BCB National Cricket Academy must thank Ziaur Rahman after his allround show helped them manage an exciting one-wicket victory against Sri Lanka Academy in the first one-dayer of the three-match series at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday.
The Khulna fast bowler struck an unbeaten 16-ball 35 with three sixes and as many fours as the visitors reached 128 for nine in 38.2 overs, after the hosts were bowled out for 127 in 36.3 overs.
Arafat Sunny was unbeaten on 14 with Zia as the last pair saw Academy home by the tiniest of margin. Imrul Kayes topscored with 45.
Earlier, Zia claimed three wickets for 17 but Nasir Hossain made the damage for Sri Lanka Academy by claiming four wickets for 13 runs in ten overs with his off-spin.
The second one-day will be held tomorrow at the SSC ground and the final on September 25 at the NCC ground.
The Khulna fast bowler struck an unbeaten 16-ball 35 with three sixes and as many fours as the visitors reached 128 for nine in 38.2 overs, after the hosts were bowled out for 127 in 36.3 overs.
Arafat Sunny was unbeaten on 14 with Zia as the last pair saw Academy home by the tiniest of margin. Imrul Kayes topscored with 45.
Earlier, Zia claimed three wickets for 17 but Nasir Hossain made the damage for Sri Lanka Academy by claiming four wickets for 13 runs in ten overs with his off-spin.
The second one-day will be held tomorrow at the SSC ground and the final on September 25 at the NCC ground.
Cotecna serves notice on NBR
Cotecna yesterday served a legal notice on the government, seeking cancellation in seven days of an NBR letter that denied the pre-shipment inspection company a new deal.
Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed & Associates served the notice on the Internal Resources Division secretary, who is also the chairman of National Board of Revenue, and an NBR member (customs).
The legal notice quoted the NBR member in the June 23 letter as saying: "We regret to inform you that your company has not been short-listed (for a new deal)."
The notice termed the NBR move illegal.
Cotecna urged the government to reconsider its expression of interest in line with the law and inform the company in seven days. Cotecna has threatened to take legal action against the government in failure to comply with its demand.
Cotecna officials said they would go for a lawsuit with the international court against the government after completion of some procedures on October 4, seeking up to $100 million in damages.
In March, the NBR cancelled the licence of the PSI company six months before completion of a three-year contract on charges of violating rules.
"The earlier agreement with our client (Cotecna) was terminated by the NBR in a most illegal and arbitrary manner," Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed and Associates said in the legal notice.
Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed & Associates served the notice on the Internal Resources Division secretary, who is also the chairman of National Board of Revenue, and an NBR member (customs).
The legal notice quoted the NBR member in the June 23 letter as saying: "We regret to inform you that your company has not been short-listed (for a new deal)."
The notice termed the NBR move illegal.
Cotecna urged the government to reconsider its expression of interest in line with the law and inform the company in seven days. Cotecna has threatened to take legal action against the government in failure to comply with its demand.
Cotecna officials said they would go for a lawsuit with the international court against the government after completion of some procedures on October 4, seeking up to $100 million in damages.
In March, the NBR cancelled the licence of the PSI company six months before completion of a three-year contract on charges of violating rules.
"The earlier agreement with our client (Cotecna) was terminated by the NBR in a most illegal and arbitrary manner," Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed and Associates said in the legal notice.
BB pulls out of risky foreign ventures
Bangladesh Bank (BB) has pulled its foreign currency investment out of different risky ventures in the face of a financial crisis in the US and some other parts of the world.
A high-profile forex investment committee of the central bank monitors the situation every day and, accordingly, changes the investment pattern with its foreign currency, said a senior official of the BB.
Apparently alarmed by the snowballing crisis, the committee headed by a deputy governor of the BB started monitoring the situation on a daily basis instead of every 15 days.
But a senior World Bank (WB) economist thinks Bangladesh should not be panicked by the economic fallout from the US credit crisis.
Zahid Hussain, a senior economist for the multilateral lending agency's Dhaka office, said the crisis would help Bangladesh benefit from a falling oil price that went down under $100 a barrel from $140 a couple of weeks ago.
The central bank's forex investment is estimated at around $5 billion, Yasin Ali, executive director of BB, told The Daily Star. "There is no risk as the investment has been made cautiously."
“We have already withdrawn investments from a few institutions affected by the US recession,” Ali said. The BB has investments in some institutions such as Wachovia Corp and a few mortgage companies in the US.
The BB also has an investment worth $5 million in Bear Stearns that was purchased by JP Morgan, another central official said, adding that it has no investment in badly-affected Lehman Brothers.
Zahid Hussain of WB said Bangladesh does not need to worry too much about the financial crisis in the US.
“I don't see any major impact on Bangladesh's economy,” Hussain said.
Even he finds some benefits for Bangladesh from the US meltdown.
“Bangladesh is already benefiting from a significant reduction in oil prices."
The price of oil that reached over $140 a barrel, now has come down to around $100 because of sluggish demand in the US, the largest economy in the world.
Bangladesh is saved, at least temporarily, from losses for financing pricey oil, he added.
Hussain rules out any negative impact on Bangladesh's exports as the country sells mainly low-end basic products to the US market. Most of Bangladesh's remittances come from the Middle East countries that are not affected by the US turmoil, he added.
“As far as I know the BB does not invest in risky ventures such as Lehman Brothers. BB invests in zero-risk US government treasury bonds,” Hussain noted.
But he said he was not aware of whether any private commercial bank had invested in any problem-ridden US venture.
Yasin Ali of BB said local commercial banks have no risks of loss as transactions for forward booking are made under strict scrutinisation of the regulator. There is little demand for hedging at the moment as prices of oil and other commodities are falling down, he said.
Although the US economy is sliding, its currency is becoming stronger than the euro and the pound sterling, BB officials said.
The central bank has invested 45 percent of its forex holdings in the US dollar, which was 26 percent a couple of months ago, another BB official said, asking not to be named.
However, the WB economist urged the BB and Bangladesh embassies in different countries to stay vigilant although the current US crisis is not as severe as it was in the 1930s, as so many safeguard measures have been taken to absorb shocks.
The current financial turmoil is rooted in the subprime crisis. During boom years, mortgage brokers enticed by the lure of big commissions, talked buyers with poor credit into accepting housing mortgages with little or no down payment and without credit checks.
Banks and financial institutions often repackaged debts with other high-risk debts and sold them to worldwide investors creating financial instruments called CDOs or collateralised debt obligations. The serious subprime mortgage crisis began in June 2007 when two Bear Stearns hedge funds collapsed.
The Federal Reserve Bank and European Central Bank have already pumped $100 billion in liquidity into the system that calmed the market for a short period.
A high-profile forex investment committee of the central bank monitors the situation every day and, accordingly, changes the investment pattern with its foreign currency, said a senior official of the BB.
Apparently alarmed by the snowballing crisis, the committee headed by a deputy governor of the BB started monitoring the situation on a daily basis instead of every 15 days.
But a senior World Bank (WB) economist thinks Bangladesh should not be panicked by the economic fallout from the US credit crisis.
Zahid Hussain, a senior economist for the multilateral lending agency's Dhaka office, said the crisis would help Bangladesh benefit from a falling oil price that went down under $100 a barrel from $140 a couple of weeks ago.
The central bank's forex investment is estimated at around $5 billion, Yasin Ali, executive director of BB, told The Daily Star. "There is no risk as the investment has been made cautiously."
“We have already withdrawn investments from a few institutions affected by the US recession,” Ali said. The BB has investments in some institutions such as Wachovia Corp and a few mortgage companies in the US.
The BB also has an investment worth $5 million in Bear Stearns that was purchased by JP Morgan, another central official said, adding that it has no investment in badly-affected Lehman Brothers.
Zahid Hussain of WB said Bangladesh does not need to worry too much about the financial crisis in the US.
“I don't see any major impact on Bangladesh's economy,” Hussain said.
Even he finds some benefits for Bangladesh from the US meltdown.
“Bangladesh is already benefiting from a significant reduction in oil prices."
The price of oil that reached over $140 a barrel, now has come down to around $100 because of sluggish demand in the US, the largest economy in the world.
Bangladesh is saved, at least temporarily, from losses for financing pricey oil, he added.
Hussain rules out any negative impact on Bangladesh's exports as the country sells mainly low-end basic products to the US market. Most of Bangladesh's remittances come from the Middle East countries that are not affected by the US turmoil, he added.
“As far as I know the BB does not invest in risky ventures such as Lehman Brothers. BB invests in zero-risk US government treasury bonds,” Hussain noted.
But he said he was not aware of whether any private commercial bank had invested in any problem-ridden US venture.
Yasin Ali of BB said local commercial banks have no risks of loss as transactions for forward booking are made under strict scrutinisation of the regulator. There is little demand for hedging at the moment as prices of oil and other commodities are falling down, he said.
Although the US economy is sliding, its currency is becoming stronger than the euro and the pound sterling, BB officials said.
The central bank has invested 45 percent of its forex holdings in the US dollar, which was 26 percent a couple of months ago, another BB official said, asking not to be named.
However, the WB economist urged the BB and Bangladesh embassies in different countries to stay vigilant although the current US crisis is not as severe as it was in the 1930s, as so many safeguard measures have been taken to absorb shocks.
The current financial turmoil is rooted in the subprime crisis. During boom years, mortgage brokers enticed by the lure of big commissions, talked buyers with poor credit into accepting housing mortgages with little or no down payment and without credit checks.
Banks and financial institutions often repackaged debts with other high-risk debts and sold them to worldwide investors creating financial instruments called CDOs or collateralised debt obligations. The serious subprime mortgage crisis began in June 2007 when two Bear Stearns hedge funds collapsed.
The Federal Reserve Bank and European Central Bank have already pumped $100 billion in liquidity into the system that calmed the market for a short period.
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