The New Nation - Internet Edition

A.T.M.Nurun Nabi

The British Government in India extended the railway line to Poradah in the district of Kushtia , Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) from Sealdah of West Bengal, India in 1862. With the commissioning of 5900 feet long Hardinge Bridge over the river of Padma at Paksey in 1915, the journey between the then East Bengal and rest of undivided India soon became popular because river route was both time consuming and fear of security.

The British Government took utmost care of improving the railway service and when they left India, the former East Pakistan inherited a strong railway transport system which passed through almost all the then districts except Tangail, Barisal and Chitagong Hill Tracts.

The double broad gauge lines were set up between Parbatipur and Darshana. As a result, two speedy trains could cross each other concurrently over Hardinge Bridge. But after Pakistan coming into being in 1947, people of the then East Pakistan surprisingly saw slashing the double lines into single one between Parbatipur and Natore, which marked the beginning of the step motherly atitude of the then central government to the economic development of former East Pakistan.

The State of Pakistan lasted for 23 years, but the lines were not restored to its former position although a new route between Darshana and Khulna was introduced.

Yet the trains in the days of Pakistan were fast and almost regular. There was announcement at every important junction and station as to when the express and mail trains would arrive or whether running late. 5 up/6 down Rajshahi Express, 11 up/12 down Drutajan, 13 up/14 down Green Arrow, 15 up/16 down Sunderban Express, 23 up/24 down Rocket Express, 27 up/28 down Simanta Express and many others rendered good service to people. Anyone visiting Ishurdi Junction during those days simply became amazed watching the rush of passengers waiting for trains and the railway employees' anxiety serving the passengers. The Urdu speaking Muslims who migrated from India for security reason had a great contribution in this regard.

But sadly the standard of the railway service began to move downward with the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971. It has reached almost to the state of breaking down. And the immediate past 4-party government cannot avoid its responsibility. In a word, the railway service in Bangladesh has been rapidly diminishing when it has been improving in India at the same speed. Only a coordinated effort can protect Bangladesh Railway from peril.

UNB, New York

World Bank President Robert Zoellick has assured Bangladesh of continued support to its various development projects.

He appreciated the caretaker government's performance on electoral, governance and economic reforms.

The World Bank boss made the assurance and appreciation when he called on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the UN headquarters Tuesday on the sidelines of 62nd session of UNGA. Zoellick inquired about the post-flood rehabilitation being carried out by the government and underscored the Bank's interest in rural credit delivery.

Briefing reporters Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim said the World Bank will focus its assistance on infrastructures, especially roads, ports and bridges including cofinancing of the Padma Bridge project

The Chief Adviser explained the current macro-economic situation and measures being undertaken to accelerate the growth and development as well as alleviate poverty. Possibilities of using micro-credit in agriculture sector were also discussed.

Fakhruddin apprised him of the progress made about the election roadmap to hold the general elections "before the end of December 2008, or if possible, even at an earlier date".

Zoellick said he was looking forward to visiting Bangladesh soon and "learning from Bangladesh experience".

Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumdar, and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ismat Jahan and World Bank Alternate Executive Director Dr. Zakir Ahmed Khan were present

A seminar on "Significance of Maahe Ramadan" was organised by Prime Bank, Islamic Banking Branch, Dilkusha on 19th September, at a city hotel. M. Shahjahan Bhuiyan , Managing Director of the Bank presided over the meeting . Professor Dr. M. Shamsher Ali, Vice Chancellor of Southeast University and Prof. Moulana Mohammad Salahuddin Member, Prime Bank Shariah Council were present in the seminar as speakers. Former Chairman of the Bank Quazi Sirazul Islam, Nasiruddin Ahmed, Mahbubul Alam and R Q M Forkan DMDs of Prime Bank Limited, Senior Executives and a large number, of customers were also present on the occasion.

Professor Dr. M. Shamsher Ali, Vice Chancellor of Southeast University said that the holy month of Ramadan is the symbol of self rectification, mutual empathy and equity. He said that the month of Ramadan is the live example that Islam provides the regulations in ensuring the right of all irrespective of nation, religion and cast

M. Shahjahan Bhuiyan, Managing Director of the Bank in his speech said that, the month of Ramadan guides us to the social economic justice. The Ramadan teaches us to practice and implement the teaching of Islam in our daily life and inspire us to achieve peace, brotherhood and patience.

Recently, AKTEL, country's one of the largest telecom service providers signed an agreement with the Shin Shin Apparels Limited, a sister concern of Sin Sin Group, manufacturing 100% Export Oriented Garments Company. Kanshul Kasim, Managing Director of AKTEL and Mr. Song Chi Ho, Managing Director of Shin Shin Apparels Limited. have signed an agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

As one of the leading cellular service provider, AKTEL has always been clearly ahead by offering its customers with unique products and services .Under the agreement, has taken a complete Corporate Solution from AKTEL. They will also be using SMS push-pull service. It is noteworthy to mention that in order to provide beter customer services, AKTEL has already opened Eighteen Customer Care Centers and installed more than 500 AKTEL Touch Points (ATP) around the country apart from traditional outlets and also are in process to open many more in the coming years. Tipu Ahmed, Head of Sales, AKTEL were also present at the signing ceremony.

"Bangladesh Hotels and Restaurants Directory" listing almost all the hotels and restaurants in Dhaka, Chitagong, Cox's Bazar and Sylhet has been published in Bangladesh for the first time.

The Bangladesh Monitor, the leading travel and tourism journal of the country and Institute of Culinary Arts jointly brought out the Directory.

Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor, The Bangladesh Monitor, said, "Bangladesh has progressed a lot in the field of hotels and restaurants. Quality room nights at five-star as well as at moderate accommodations are increasing."

"People often do not know what would be the best place for their accommodation within their budget and what are the facilities available there, while they are out of their home."

"While Bangladeshis have always been known to be avid food lovers, seeking out new dishes, visitors to our country also want to tryout the local cuisine and other choices," he added.

"We are happy to be able to take the initiative to bring out the "Bangladesh Hotels and Restaurants Directory." In this publication we have tried to cover hotels and restaurants in Dhaka, Chitagong, Cox's Bazar and Sylhel. This Directory will help Bangladeshis or tourists find the right place to stay or dine," Kazi Wahidul Alam said.

The Directory is available at all leading bookshops of the country for Tk. 200 only.

UNB Dhaka

Bangladesh Bank Wednesday asked all commercial banks to keep their branches open on Saturday (Sept 29) to facilitate the collection of government revenue.

The central bank issued a circular asking the banks to run their branches as per the Ramadan schedule ensuring adequate security measures.

Earlier, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman had told media that relevant tax offices would remain open on the same day (Sept 29) as the deadline for whitening undisclosed money expires the following day (Sept 30).

Dewanhat Branch of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited was inaugurated as it's 186th Branch on Sunday, 23 September 2007 at Dewanhat, Chitagong. On the occasion of this inauguration Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, President of Chitagong Chamber of Commerce & Industries was present as the chief guest and Bahrul Ulum Moulana Mohammad Kutub Uddin was present as the special guest Presided over by Engr. Md. Eskander Ali Khan, Director of the function was addressed among others by M. Fariduddin Ahmad, Executive President and Abul Hossain, Executive Vice President and Zonal Head of Chitagong of the Bank. Emdadul Hoque, Chairman of Laki Group and renowned Industrialist, Professor A N M Nurul Karim and Niajur Rahman also addressed the function among the local personalities. Saifizzaman Chowdhury, President of Chitagong Chamber of Commerce & Industries said confidence that once interest-free banking was a mater a dream in Bangladesh. This dream has now come true after the establishment of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited. This has been able to gain as the people of the country.

To sustain the continuation of the confidence of the people, service of the bank should be conveyed to grass root level f the country after innovating more new products approved in Shari'ah.

Upholding different types of welfare oriented activities, Engr. Md. Eskander Ali Khan said in his presidential speech that Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited has reached this position by dint of the reliance and support of the people and above all the help of Allah. He also mentioned that Islami Bank is trying it's best to convey the service of the Bank within the reach of mass people. On the occasion of inauguration of Dewanhat Branch, a seminar on 'Islamic Economics and Banking' was organised at bank premises on Saturday Professor Dr. Abu Bakr Rafique, Member Secretary, Shari'ah Council of bank and Pro-Vice Chancellor, International Islamic University Chitagong was present in the seminar as the chief discussant Presided over by M. Fariduddin Ahmad, Executive President of the Bank the seminar was also discussed among others by Professor Dr. A K M Abdul Kader, Chairman, Department of Arabic, Chitagong University & Abul Hossain, Executive Vice President & Zonal Head of Chitagong of the Bank.