The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Members of the Hindu community yesterday observed 'Kumari Puja' on the third day of their biggest religious festival Durga Puja all over the country.

The 'Kumari Puja' was held at Dhaka Ramkrishna Mission in the morning. A girl child aged below 10 years was worshipped as 'mother' in the 'Kumari Puja'.

A large number of devotees gathered on the premises of Dhakeshwari National Temple at noon where Dhaka City Puja Committee organised offering 'Anjoli' to Goddess Durga.

Thousands of Hindu devotees offered 'Anjoli' and prayed to Goddess Durga for peace, progress and prosperity of the nation and communal harmony in the country.

'Proshads' were distributed among about 10,000 people on the occasion. Dhaka City Puja Committee handed over some 'Proshads' to the jail authorities for distribution among some of its leaders detained in the Central Jail.

Meanwhile, LGRD and Labour Adviser M Anwarul Iqbal visited puja mandaps at Agasadek Road and at Ganaktuli in the city. He exchanged pleasantries with the devotees and addressed them at both the mandaps.

A delegation of Bangladesh Awami League led by Acting President Zillur Rahman, Gano Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain, Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty and other eminent personalities visited the Dhakeshwari Temple and exchanged pleasantries with the devotees.

City Puja Committee President Jayonta Sen Gupta, General Secretary Jayonta Kumar Dev and other leaders, including C.R. Dutta, Bir Uttam, C.R. Sarkar, Swapan Kumar Saha, Kajal Devnath, Biresh Saha, Nirmal Chaterjee, Advocate Satyen Chandra Bhakta, Shyamol Roy, Babul Debonath, Narayan Saha Moni and Monindra Kumar Nath, welcomed the guests.

AFP, Washington

The new president of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick, wants to allow private-sector companies to help finance aid to the poorest countries, an innovation already stirring controversy.

The unprecedented outreach already has met with a positive response, Zoellick said Thursday at a news conference here, without naming the companies.

"This is at an early stage," Zoellick said in response to a question about a Financial Times interview published Thursday in which he revealed the World Bank's new strategy.

Zoellick said the Bank has had "some discussions" with companies "but we also have to work this through our board processes." "It also could help us broaden the base of support for the funding of the poorest, the 81 poorest countries in the world," Zoellick, a former US trade chief and Goldman Sachs executive, said ahead of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund's annual meetings this weekend.

Zoellick, who took the helm of the Bank in July after a favouritism scandal forced his predecessor, Paul Wolfowitz, to resign, underscored his strategy to integrate the Bank's activities into a global network. He said he had "received a lot of emails from people I know in the private sector saying this could be a great thing."

He added, "If we are able to move it forward this could offer us an opportunity to serve another one of the strategic directions I would like to encourage which is how to make sure we draw the private sector in."

Zoellick said he saw no real challenge in getting board approval for the private-sector strategy. "I don't see any particular problem, but until we get through that we cannot really take the steps with the companies," he said, without providing further details.

Zoellick was questioned about the World Bank's 15th fund-raising campaign to rebuild the coffers of the International Development Association (IDA).

AFP, Jakarta

At least 29 people were killed and 125 rescued after an Indonesian ship sank in high seas off the island of Sulawesi, officials said Friday.

Residents near the town of Bau Bau on southeast Sulawesi heard survivors pleading for help after the ship sank at about 9:00 PM (1400 GMT) Thursday, just 500 metres from shore, ElShinta radio reported.

ElShinta's reporter said 151 people were believed to be on board. Indonesian ferries however are notorious for carrying far more passengers than the number officially registered on their manifestos.

"Twenty-nine people have died. The bodies were received from midnight last night until 8:00 AM Thursday. Nineteen survivors are being treated for shock," Bau Bau general hospital spokesman, Laode Hamdansyah, told AFP.

Search and rescue team chief Roki Asikin told ElShinta that 125 people had been rescued, "but we do not know how many people were aboard the ship, so we don't know how many people are still missing."

Staff Reporter

Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and former minister said the present Caretaker government is pledge-bound to hold a meaningful and credible election with participation of all political parties of the country.

He gave a clarion call upon all quarters including politicians, intellectuals and journalists of the country to play a responsible role from their respective platforms to hold a meaningful election free from corruption, terrorism and black money by 2008 as per the roadmap declared by the EC so that the government can handover power to the elected government.

Nizami made this call while inaugurating the session of the Central Majlis-e-Shoora of Jamaat-e-Islami at Moghbazar Al-Falah auditorium in the city yesterday. Members of central executive and working committee including Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Abul Kalam Mohammad Yousuf, Nayeb-e-Ameer Maqbul Ahmad and Prof. AKM Nazir Ahmad, Secretary General and former Minister Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed, former deputy leaders of Jamaat parliamentary party Maulana Mohammad Abdus Subhan, Maulana Delwar Hossain Sayedee, Assistant Secretaries General Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, Abdul Quader Molla, ATM Azharul Islam, Barrister Abdur Razzaque, Prof. Mujibur Rahman, Maulana Md Abu Taher and Central Publicity Secretary Prof Md Tasneem Alam were present on the occasion.

Nizami said, "Bangladesh is the third largest Muslim country of the world. The people of the country are devoted to their respective religions on the one hand, and on the other they are respectful of others' faith. Though unexpected incident including communal riot occurs in a neighbouring country but it can never influence Bangladesh."

He stated that a quarter is carrying out media campaign to ban religion-based politics in Bangladesh. Their main target is to ban Islamic politics.

A conspiracy is on to ban Islamic ideology based politics in Bangladesh, which is part of the on going conspiracy across the world, he added.

He said, "Islam is a complete code of life. It gives guideline as regards to politics, economics, education-culture etc. The Zionist forces are hatching conspiracy to ban Islamic politics."

"Those who want to ban Islamic politics, their main target is not only Jamaat-e-Islami but also Islam. In this regard, the government should remain vigilant so that the non-party present government cannot be questioned," he added.

Urging Islamic parties and Ulema to build up a meaningful unity Nizami said it is the need of hour to build up a meaningful unity among Ulema and Islamic political parties. He said, "The parliamentary election in the country was scheduled to be held on 22 January, 2007. But unfortunately a quarter created unjust and illogical violent situation in the country. Consequently, the President was compelled to impose emergency in the country. The President urged Army to assist the Caretaker government formed in the changed situation."

"Credible election could not be held due to withdrawal of 14-party from election. As a result democratic and constitutional continuity has been disappointed which has exerted negative influence on the economy," he added.

Maulana Nizami expressed grave concern over the price hike of essential commodities, which are going out of the reach of the common people. 'Agriculture production and foreign investment are declining. Nobody should not do politics with this,' he added.

He called upon all professional groups including politicians, businessmen, economists to play constructive and responsible role to resist negative impact on economy of the country.

Maulana Nizami said the patriotic army are extending all out co-operation to the government. The Army are the symbol of independence, sovereignty and national unity. At the critical juncture of the country the Army has stood beside the people. Nobody expects the failure of the government. All should play responsible role so that the government cannot be questioned.

Those who want to make Bangladesh dysfunctional and failed state, their aim is to make the Army controversial. All should remain vigilant so that the army does not be controversial, he added.

AFP, Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday chastised the United States over its policy in Iraq and Iran, and announced "grandiose" military plans, including development of a new nuclear weapon.

Putin, who is to step down at the end of his second term next year, also said he wanted the ruling United Russia party to preserve his policies after December parliamentary elections, confirming that he wants to retain major political influence after leaving office.

In a nationally broadcast link-up with ordinary Russians across the country, Putin called the US intervention in Iraq a real "dead end" and called on Washington to set a deadline for the withdrawal of troops. Putin suggested that Iraq had been invaded because of its oil wealth and assured one caller that energy-rich Russia could not suffer the same fate. To think so, he said, was "political erotica."

The White House quickly rebuffed Putin's comments, insisting there was a "good trend" in Iraq.

The Russian leader also swiped at Washington's tough stand on Iran's nuclear power programme, saying Moscow's insistence on negotiations was better than "threats, sanctions or even force." In a video link-up with servicemen at the Plesetsk nuclear missile base, Putin said that Russia would build another nuclear submarine next year and was also planning a "completely new" atomic weapon.

"We have grandiose plans and they are absolutely realistic," Putin said, speaking hours after the military announced the successful test firing of a Topol intercontinental ballistic missile. Putin's sixth phone-in during eight years in power came in for particular scrutiny for clues to Putin's future political career after December parliamentary and March presidential elections. Putin, 55, has left the world guessing about what he will do after the March election, in which he is barred by the Constitution from seeking a third consecutive term.

The former KGB officer who came to power in 2000 repeated that he will step down, saying "there will be another person here in the Kremlin in 2008."

He confirmed that he would campaign for the United Russia Party in the parliamentary election, saying this party's victory would ensure that his policies over the last eight years continued.

"Imagine that people come to power who do not agree with these decisions, it would be easy to reverse themt. It is therefore extremely important that parliament is effective," Putin said.

Putin has previously said he is considering taking up the prime minister's post after leaving the Kremlin, but he appeared to scotch speculation that he wants constitutional changes transfering power from the Kremlin to the Government.

He said he was "against cutting the powers of the president of Russia," Interfax said.

On the economy, Putin trumpeted economic growth of 7.7 percent, but conceded that the government was so far unable to control inflation of 8.5 percent and rising beyond "the planned parameters."

There has been a more than doubling of foreign investment, 13.4 percent increase in incomes, and 5.1 percent increase in pensions, he said, while gold and foreign currency reserves are at record levels.

Putin also claimed credit for a slowdown in the country's dramatic population plunge, saying that government benefits to families were having an effect.

Although Putin says he will step down next year, he remains by far the dominant political force in a country where there is almost no outspoken opposition.

Adding to the mystery, no major politician has yet expressed interest in seeking the presidency, while polls indicate the parliamentary election will give Putin's United Russia Party an overwhelming majority.

Speculation is mounting that Putin will seek to remain in control even after quitting the presidency. Or he may return to the Kremlin for a third term after a break-something the constitution does not bar.

Later Thursday Putin was to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Moscow for talks expected to focus on Iran's Russian-backed nuclear programme.

Putin was in Tehran on Tuesday, the first visit to Iran by a Kremlin leader since World War II.

Staff Reporter

Douglas Alexander, the UK's Secretary of State for International Development called on leaders of the poorest countries, particularly those in Africa, to take women's health more seriously and put it at the heart of their decision-making, said DFID press release.

Announcing an additional £100 million over five years to help prevent unwanted pregnancies and make childbirth safer, Douglas said that more than 500,000 women die needlessly every year from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. It is estimated that every £1 million invested in family planning could avert 720,000 unwanted pregnancies, prevent 300,000 abortions and save the lives of 1,600 mothers and 22,000 infants.

Alexander spoke at the start of a three-day event in London, billed as the biggest conference on women's health in 20 years.

He said, "The death of a mother deprives a child, a family, a community and ultimately a country of one of its most valuable sources of health, happiness and prosperity. Every minute a woman dies from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. More than 10 million women, mostly in South Asia and Africa, have died in the last 20 years. This is a tragedy but is fact these deaths could have been prevented.""We need to ensure health services not only function, but also reflect the needs of women. Women must have a voice to demand better services and to vote for the MP who puts women's health at the top of the political agenda," he added.

The Women Deliver conference marks the anniversary of the Safe Motherhood initiative, launched in Kenya in 1987. More than 1,500 politicians, including ministers from Africa and Asia, human rights activists, NGOs, faith groups, health professionals and economists, from 75 countries attended the conference.

The £100 million will help the UN Population Fund to support governments in South Asia and Africa provide more condoms, contraceptives pills, and advice on better sexual health to poor women, girls and men. It is part of the UN's goal to improve the quality of national health care provided by governments in poorer countries. The announcement brings overall UK support for health in the developing world to £800 million a year and helps ensure promises made at the G8 Summit in Gleneagles are being kept.

In September, Gordon Brown, Douglas Alexander and ministers from developing countries launched the International Health Partnership. The initiative, to help build national health systems in some of the world's poorest countries, aims to improve the way donors and governments of poor countries work together to develop and implement national health plans.

In 1990, it was estimated 576,300 women died every year during pregnancy, labour or after giving birth. The latest figures show that by 2015, some 535,900 died - 40,400 lives saved. The UN's global target is to save the lives of at least 432,225 mothers by 2015, which is 75 per cent cut in the 1990 figure.

Reducing maternal mortality also remains a significant challenge in Bangladesh. The Health and Family Welfare Adviser, in his speech at a reception at British High Commission said, "MDG 5 must be a priority for the health sector in Bangladesh, and closely linked to that is MDG 4, which is focused on reducing child mortality. We must make these a priority for our efforts."

UNB, Dhaka

Despite a still low HIV prevalence, various risk factors, including low level of knowledge and low condom use, are posing increasing threat of HIV/AIDS in the country for lack of proper communication strategy.

Since the HIV/AIDS was first detected in Bangladesh in 1989, a total of 874 cases of HIV positive were reported and 240 cases of AIDS confirmed in 2006.

Since then some 109 people have died of the deadly disease in the country. According to an UNAIDS estimate, there are some 13,000 HIV-positive people in the country. Although overall HIV prevalence is low, Bangladesh is still considered a high-risk country for several reasons. These are presence of covert multi-partner sexual activity, low level of knowledge and low condom use, unsafe professional blood donation, high incidence of self-reported sexually transmitted infections among vulnerable groups and return of expatriates who work in different countries.

The country's vulnerability is very high compared to other parts of South Asia and infection rates within the vulnerable groups are increasing, leading to an ever-greater possibility that the virus will spread to the general population, says a study. National HIV surveillance indicates that the rate of HIV infection among street-based sex workers in central Bangladesh is high compared with sex workers in other parts of South Asia.

High level of HIV/AIDS in neighbouring India and Myanmar pose a serious threat of HIV/AIDS in the country.

According to India's National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), there was an estimated 2.5 million people with HIV positive in India in 2006.

UNB, Dhaka

Corruption prevention committees at the district and upazila levels, a move initiated by the Anti-Corruption Commission with a view to creating mass awareness against the all-pervasive vice, are likely to begin functioning at the end of December next.

"We've already received the proposed names of the members of all the corruption prevention committees at the district and upazila levels. Six ACC directors were assigned to verify the names of the country's six divisions and the verification was supposed to be completed by Ramadan," a competent source told UNB.

He, however, said they have not yet received the verification report. The source said ACC Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury, who has so far visited 31 districts, will start visiting the remaining 34 districts from mid-November. "On completion of his visits, all the 64 districts and verification, members of the committees will be called in capital Dhaka in phases to inform them of their responsibilities."

So, the source said, it would take until the end of December for the Commission to complete all these works and thus enable the committees to start working.

Replying to a query, he said there are objections about 22 upazila prevention committees out of nearly 480, but there is no objection about the district committees.

BSS/AFP, Tokyo

The head of the UN climate panel that shared the Nobel Peace Prize last week said Thursday there was still time for the world to turn around the global warming trend as he visited Japan for talks.

Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), told a press conference the Nobel prize committee's decision showed it believed climate change was a threat to world peace.

"This clearly indicates that they are aware of the fact that if we don't do something about the problem, peace and stability can be threatened," said the Indian scientist.

"It is essential for us to stabilise the concentration of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, because otherwise there will be increasing misery," he said.

Pachauri is in Japan to give the keynote address at a two-day environmental conference sponsored by Global Environmental Action, a group created by Japanese politicians, business leaders and scholars. He said the increased incidence of floods, severe storms, heat waves and droughts due to largely man-made climate change were the cause of much human suffering.

"Most of the change that has taken place in the last 50 years is essentially the result of human activities," he said.

The environmental "stress" on the globe was harming lives, but solutions were already available, he said "Fortunately, the mitigation options that can be used for solving these problems and stabilising the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are not expensive at all. We have clearly established that," he said.

"We also established that all the technologies that you need for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases are available today," he said.

The IPCC will issue a fresh 30-page report next month, offering possible policy and mitigation options for decision-makers around the world, he said.

Disincentives such as financial charges on emission gas producers should further promote the use of environmental technologies, he added.