The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Anti-terrorist elite force-Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested at least 12 suspected Islamic militants, nine of them in connection with a plot to blow up ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a grenade attack three years ago, RAB officers said yesterday.

RAB officials recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunition from their possession. The arms included 16 Arges grenades, two Chinese rifles, huge number of bullets, about one and half maunds of explosives, one pistol and one revolver.

The nine arrested militant suspects, who belong to the Harkatul Jihad, and the cache of arms were shown at the news conference. The nine are

Hossain Ahmed Tamim, Abul Kalam Azad, Jahangir Alam, Abdul Quddus, Omar Faruk, Amirul Islam, Ali Ahmed, Mukaddes Billah and Baki Billah.

The arrests came after Mufti Abdul Hannan, the leader of the banned Islamic militant group Harkat-ul Jihad al Islami, confessed to the group's involvement in the August 21 (2004) grenade attack that killed at least 24 people, mostly Awami League activists, and injured hundreds others.

Earlier on October 24, Mufti Hannan and his three associates-Mofizur Rahman Ovi, Maulana Abu Sayeed and Mohammad Sharif alias Bipul-were taken on a 10-day remand for breaking the case in a belated move.

During interrogation, they were reported to have confessed to having been involved "directly and indirectly" in the grenade attack on the rally addressed by Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina at Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004.

The former Prime Minister had narrowly escaped while at least 24 people, including party's Women Affairs Secretary Ivy Rahman, were killed in the attack.

Mufti Hannan, arrested on October 2 in 2005, is accused in a number of deadly blasts, including Ramna Batamul concert bombing and the grenade attack on British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury.

The arrested who were on the run in different parts of the country nabbed in 24 hours to 10am Monday, following tips from the organisation's chief, Mufti Abdul Hanan, and three others under grilling on remand.

Acting over their confessional statements, a special team of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) conducted massive raid in Dhaka, Khulna, Magura, Kushtia, Jhenidah and Narsingdi and arrested the nine persons.

With these nine, 13 members of Harkatul Jihad have been held so far across the country.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested the militants in raids overnight said Colonel Meshkat, a Commanding Officer of the RAB.

"Their names cropped up during interrogation of Mufti Hannan. He admitted his connection to the attack and also named the persons involved in the attack," RAB Commander Abul Kalam Azad said.

"Grenades, rifles and arms and explosives were seized during the raid. The grenades are the same ones used in the attack on Sheikh Hasina," he said.

The arrest last year of the leader of the banned Islamic outfit injected fresh life into the probe.

In a separate raid in Faridpur, three suspected members of Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) were arrested from the court premises in the town yesterday.

Police said they arrested Asaduzzaman, 25, Aminur Rahman Sikdar, 22 and Sayedur Rahman, 24, following their suspicious movement at the court premises at noon.

Fourteen SIM cards, some Islamic books and audiocassettes were also recovered from their possession.

Police suspected that the three youths gathered there for committing crime.

Staff Reporter

Chief Justice Md Ruhul Amin yesterday urged the judicial magistrates to discharge their responsibilities with patience and sincerity to meet the people's aspirations as the separation of judiciary takes effect from the executive on November 1.

"You (judicial magistrates) all will have to work to prove the justification of separation of judiciary and why the demand had been made. Otherwise, we all have to face serious question of accountability from the people," he cautioned while addressing an orientation programme as the chief guest for the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrates, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrates, Judicial Magistrates, Metropolitan Magistrates on implementation of separate judiciary.

The Chief Justice said the judges must devote to hard labour with sincerity and patience to dispense justice as the justice-seekers come to courts from the far-flung areas.

Despite adverse situation, you must discharge your judicial responsibilities and overcome the situation by applying your experience and wisdom, he said hoping that the judicial magistrates would be able to prove their capability to reflect the aspiration of people by ensuring justice to all.

Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and Information Barrister Mainul Hosein and senior most judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court Justice MM Ruhul Amin addressed the function as the special guests.

The Judiciary Administration Training Institute (JATI) organised the orientation programme in cooperation with DANIDA. Director General of the JATI Justice Md Hamidul Haque presided over the function.

The Chief Justice termed the implementation of separation of judiciary from the executive a significant event in the national life saying that it is directly linked with the people who seek for justice.

The Chief Justice reminded that the judicial magistrates might have to work for additional time considering the aspiration of justice-seeking people.

"The full time scheduled for dispensation of justice will have to be spent for, justice," he said.

Justice MM Ruhul Amin of the Appellate Division hoped the judicial magistrates would be able to discharge their responsibilities to fulfill the aspiration of the people.

Justice M Hamidul Haque said justification of separation of judiciary would be proved if the aspirations of justice seeker people are made.

A total of 135 judges of the subordinate courts participated in the orientation function. Senior Advisor of DANIDA Garri F Collins, among others was present at the function.

Staff Reporter

Detained former premier and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina told the investigators of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) that she was not involved in any corruption.

"Country has achieved development when my government was in power. Development and corruption cannot go together. I don't know anything else about the allegations of corruption against me. Even, I did not receive the FIR or complaint of the corruption case against me," Sheikh Hasina was quoted as having quipped during the questioning at the makeshift jail on the parliament premises.

Refraining from answering the questions of ACC investigators into the graft charge involving three barge-mounted power plants deals, Hasina said she didn't get prior notice from the ACC about the quizzing.

However, in an implicit denial of the allegation she suggested the ACC investigators to ask the country's senior economists about what she claimed a wave of development during her 1996-2001 reign.

Emerging from the jail gate at about 2:00pm, Hasina's counsel Toufique Newaz told reporters that she (Hasina) was in the dark as to what kind of allegations brought against her as she did not get any notice from the ACC.

"Until not informed about the allegations brought against her, Hasina cannot give any answer in the questioning," he said about the former premier's refusal to give reply to the queries of the investigators from the ACC, the army-led anti-corruption taskforce and CID police.

When the four-member investigating team informed her about the Tk 3 crore graft case filed by the ACC against her and six others with

Tejgaon police station on September 2, Hasina categorically said nothing is to be answered depending on memory.

"I need at least two weeks to review the documents of the First Information Report (FIR) and also to consult my lawyers about the

case after the ACC sends notice," Hasina was quoted as saying.

The inquiry team, led by investigation officer of the case Morshed Alam, went to the special jail at about 12:00 noon to quiz Hasina.

About a writ petition filed with the High Court Sunday challenging the legality of the extortion case being placed under the emergency rules, Toufique Newaz said the hearing of the case is on and Hasina is waiting to get "positive news like order of stay and bail".

Responding to a query, the counsel said the investigating team could not confirm them whether or not they would sent any notice before such questioning.

Earlier in the day, two more lawyers of Hasina--Barrister Ahmed Fazle Nor Tapash and Advocate Moniruzzaman--also went to meet her.

"I will subsequently be proved innocent through the legal process. I did not commit any crime," Sheikh Hasina was quoted as saying by Tapash.

"Sheikh Hasina's was found very firm in her determination. She is well. She directed us to carry on the legal process," he said.

The lawyers said there are as many as 14 cases pending against Sheikh Hasina. "But, she is not being allowed to talk with her lawyers about the cases. As a result, she is not receiving proper guidance regarding the cases," Tapash said.

On Tuesday, the Anti-Corruption Commission secured permission of the court to question the detained former Prime Minister over the charge.

It has been stated in the FIR that the former premier received Tk 3 crore from two companies--the Summit Group and the United Group--during the period between October 24, 1996 and November 24, 1997 for awarding the contracts to set up three barge-mounted power plants in Haripur, Shikalbaha and Khulna when her government was in power.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina's husband nuclear scientist Dr Wazed Mia is likely to meet his wife at the sub-jail at any time today (Tuesday).

DIG (Prison) Maj Shamsul Haider Siddiqui said Dr Wazed Mia might meet his wife at any time today.

The prison authorities decided to allow Dr Wazed Mia to meet his wife after receiving permission from higher authorities of the government. Dr Wazed Mia is now staying at Sudha Sadan at Dhanmondi after receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) yesterday handed over a list of 1,591 criminals hiding in different parts of India to the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).

On the other hand, BSF handed over a list of 141 camps of Indian insurgents allegedly operating in Bangladesh. They also requested the BDR to demolish all these camps.

However, the BDR chief, rejecting the BSF claim outright, said there was no camps of Indian insurgents in Bangladesh.

"We have investigated the Indian claims of the existence of 141 camps of insurgents in Bangladesh, but did not find anyone of them," BDR Director-General Major General Shakil Ahmed said. "In spite of this we will carry out our investigations further," he said.

Both BDR and BSF handed over the lists to each other yesterday, the last day of a five-day border conference that concluded at the BDR Headquarters in Dhaka

At the conference, the BDR and BSF officials agreed to show utmost restraint and not to press the trigger in daytime to stop trespass at the borders.

BDR Director-General Major General Shakil Ahmed and Indian BSF Director-General Ashish Kumar Mitra expressed an identical view that trespassers be arrested instead of shooting down.

At least 52 Bangladeshi civilians have been reported killed by Indian BSF troops in the past eight months, indicating a rising incidence of shooting on sight on the frontier.

The border conference at director general level, which ended with the signing of a joint record of discussion, reached a consensus on handing over terrorists hiding in each other's country and exchanging information about them.

Regarding non-demarcation of 6.5 kms of the common boundary, it was decided that the BSF Director General would request the Indian government to take effective step to demarcate the borderline that includes 2 kms of Muhurir Char, 1.5 kms of Doikhata and 3 kms of Lathitila.

On unfettered access of Bangladeshi inhabitants of Dahagram and Angarpota through Tin Bigha corridor, the BDR chief said they are contemplating building a flyover connecting the two enclaves with the Bangladesh mainland so they can vault over the regulated Indian passage.

"It would be finalized with the approval of the two governments."

He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to implementation of the 1974 Mujib-Indira border agreement and the 1975 Bangladesh-India border guidelines to resolve problems concerning construction of defense infrastructure, military barbed-wire fences and installations.

In reply to a question the BSF chief said three Bangladeshi criminals had already been handed over to Bangladesh authorities and more criminals who are facing cases in Kolkata court would be turned over after the court's judgement.

The BDR side handed over a list of 1,591 "criminals" while BSF handed over a list of 141 "insurgent camps"-a swap routinely done at such border talks between the two next-door neighbors.

Mitra welcomed what he called dismantling by BDR two Indian "insurgents" camps in the Chittagong Hill Tracts recently, but the BDR chief refused to dub those "insurgents" camps.

The BDR Director General said, "There are no Indian insurgent camps in Bangladesh to the best of my knowledge. We have investigated earlier on the basis of Indian list, but no such camp was found."

General Shakil said two bamboo-made huts which were destroyed might have been used by local criminals--they did not belong to Indian insurgent outfits.

In reply to a question he said 52 Bangladeshis were killed in last eight months, two of them within the Bangladesh territory while the rest on the Indian side.

"Those who crossed the international border I cannot call them innocent," said the BDR chief.

However, he said the trespassers should not be killed by shooting.

The BDR chief hoped that the people in border areas would live in more peaceful and tranquil environment following the positive approach and decisions taken during the just-concluded conference.

The BSF chief proposed once-or twice-a-month meeting between the two border guards at the sector commander level.

Asked if ULFA leader Anup Chetia would be handed over in exchange for Bangladeshi criminals, the BDR chief rejected outright such a barter, saying that the matter did not come up since it is not the jurisdiction of the BDR and BSF.

The BSF chief assured the conference that he would make strong representation to the Indian government to transform temporary pillars into permanent pillars along a 35.5-km frontline in Berubari, Singipara-Kudhipara of Panchagarh district.

He said development works along the border were completed in last six months, but some repairs relating to river training and river embankments need to be done under the supervision of the Joint River Commission (JRC).

The two sides agreed to take stern action against smuggling of illegal arms, ammo, explosives, phensidyl, heroin, ganja and other drugs.

Staff Reporter

The government yesterday admitted 'crisis' and mismanagement in the distribution system of fertiliser that forced farmers to go for protest across the country.

"There is no logical reason of crisis as supply of fertiliser is sufficient… but there are some crisis … yes, there is mismanagement in the distribution system to the farmers end," Agriculture Adviser CS Karim admitted at a crowded press conference facing a volley of questions at PID conference room.

However, Industries Secretary Nurul Amin was in argue with the journalists over the definition of 'crisis' of fertiliser despite reports from across the country states that farmers are 'crying' for fertilizer to produce boro crop.

CS Karim said the government has taken adequate steps so that farmers can get fertiliser easily. "We are closely monitoring the supply of fertiliser and taking immediate steps if there is any news of crisis."

He said there was news of fertiliser crisis in the 16 districts and 23 'trouble corner' was detected. "We took immediate steps to overcome the situation."

The Adviser informed newsmen that out of the total demand of the 28.18 lakh metric ton (MT) of urea fertiliser 15 lakh MT will come from local production, 4.50 lakh MT will be bought from KAFCO and the rest would be met by importing from different countries.

CS Karim said at present, there is a stock of 400,000 MT of urea compared to 200,000 tons in the corresponding period last year.

He, however, said the government is giving highest subsidy in fertiliser. "I have no idea if any country gives such high subsidy."

The government is giving Tk 2,400 subsidy for per ton of locally produced urea while for the importing one it is Tk 25,700.

At the press conference CS Karim openly contradicted the Industries Secretary's call to the journalists to create mass awareness about the need to increase the price of urea fertiliser.

"You should play a major role in creating public awareness about the urgent need of enhancing the fertilizer price," said Industries Secretary Nurul Amin.

But instantly the Agriculture Adviser contradicted the Industries Secretary. "It's his personal remark as member of the secretaries committee tasked to review the fertiliser price… This is not the government's position," the Adviser said, adding the government has no such decision to raise the fertiliser price.

He also briefed the journalists about the steps so far taken by the government to reach fertiliser to the local level farmers.

Court Correspondent

A court of Dhaka yesterday rejected the remand prayer to quiz former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko in the GATCO graft case.

Koko was produced Monday before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court from BSMMU, where he was under treatment, for hearing on the seven-day remand. He was brought to the Court amaidst tight security. Accused Koko was ill and trembling, he was about to fall on the ground. At this stage defence lawyer and security personnels on duty rushed to take care of Koko and he was given a chair to sit.

Defence lawyers vehemently opposed seriously ill Koko's remand and requested the court to reject the bail prayer. Hearing the defence lawyers and the prosecution Metropolitan Magistrate Mizanur Rahman passed his orders to reject the bail petition.

However, he further ordered, if necessary, the Investigation Officer (IO), may interrogate Koko in the jail.

Earlier on October 24, hearing on the remand was not held also due to Koko's illness and the court refixed October 29 for hearing subject to his recovery.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Deputy Director Johirul Huda, IO of the case, on October 22 submitted the remand prayer to the CMM Court. On September 3 Koko was put on a seven-day remand for interrogation, but he was sent back to jail before the completion of the remand due to his illness.

The ACC filed the graft case on September 2 against 13 persons including detained former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Koko. Khaleda was questioned in the case on October 11. Six former ministers of her cabinet, bureaucrats and officials of Chittagong Port Authority, Kamalapur ICD yard of Dhaka and Global Agro Private Limited (GATCO) were also questioned.

Staff Reporter

Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein said yesterday both executive magistrates and judicial magistrates would have to serve the good cause of good governance for the greater interests of people.

He was addressing an orientation programme for the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrates, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrates, Judicial Magistrates and Metropolitan Magistrates as special guest.

He said it would now be the responsibility of the judges to seek unity and work unitedly with the executive to make separation of the judiciary meaningful for good governance.

"To do justice according to law is not the sole responsibility as a judge. He does it for public purpose and in public interest. To act judiciously is in the very nature of a judge," the Law Adviser said.

He said judges act judiciously and they have to assume the obligations in helping good governance as a partner of the government.

The executive and judiciary though separated but must not fall apart. Both executive magistrates and judicial magistrates will have to serve the good cause of good governance for the larger good of the people, he said.

Barrister Mainul explained that the judiciary was not being separated because the executive magistrates are not competent or we do not fully appreciate their long service in public affairs.

Separation of the judiciary from the executive will make them for efficient and better dedicated for serving the people in their own field, he observed.

The Adviser said most of them have also been cooperating for a meaningful separation of the judiciary.

"Both have to seek unity and work unitedly though separated for separate nature of their functions," he said.

The executive and the judiciary though have been separated but must not fall apart, the adviser said adding the separation of judiciary from administration will make the two organs work mutually in their own fields for giving better service to the people.He said justice is an inseparable part of good governance. "It now depends on the judges to successfully separate the judiciary from the executive by ensuring unity between the two state organs." Outset of unfurling a new chapter in history through separation of the judiciary, but those can be resolved through open discussions.

Staff Reporter

Privatisation Commission will look for a new buyer for the state-owned Rupali Bank if the Saudi Prince fails to complete all necessary steps to take over the commercial bank within next month.

While speaking at a seminar on 'Privatisation in Bangladesh and Public-Private Partnership in Public Undertakings' organised by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in the city yesterday, Commission Chairman Md Abu Solaiman Chowdhury said,'' We will not wait any more for the Saudi Prince after the stipulated deadline of November 2007.''

Presided over by DCCI President Hossain Khaled, Privatisation commission members Mian Mustaque Ahmed and Nasir Uddin Ahmed were present as the special guests.

While responding to a question of the reporters, Abu Solaiman Chowdhury disclosed that for the first time, Commission is going to publish rules and regulations for the privatisation shortly.

He said,'' The Government is also considering seriously to amend the existing Privatisation Act for a smother privatisation process.''

Emphasizing the need for more privatisation of the State owned Enterprises (SoE), Solaiman Chowdhury said, ''The aim of privatisation is to strengthen the total industrial base of the country.''

He assured the businessmen to provide all necessary incentive package, post transfer supports to boost the privatisation in the country.

Neither public nor private sector alone is able to contribute to the growth of economy unless the well combined joint efforts are effectively initiated, he observed.

DCCI president proposed to bring the state owned Rupali Bank into the capital market instead of selling it to the foreign investor.

He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the parliamentarians from the board of privatisation commission for the smother and effective privatisation in the country.

He voiced for more representation from the private sector in the commission eliminating politicisation there.

Hossain Khaled suggested the Government of open tender for SoE's so that all investors can participate.

DCCI president said, transparency and consistency should be maintained in all matters of tendering and others related issues

The Government should immediately formulate a specific policy for Private-Public partnership, Khaled added.

DCCI Senior Vice-president Shajahan Khan and Vice-President Alauddin Malik, among others, participated at the discussion while chamber leader Jaglul Pasha presented the keynote paper at the seminar.

Staff Reporter

Member of the BNP Advisory Council BNP Brig Gen (retd) ASM Hannan Shah yesterday said his party would take decision about the next general elections after discussing with party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

He also said most of the BNP leaders were in favour of taking part in the dialogue with the Election Commission (EC) on electoral reforms. The issue, however, will be decided after getting the EC's invitation for the talks, he added.

In reply to question while talking to journalists at his DOHS residence, Hannan Shah said the BNP would not take part in any meaningless elections.

"BNP had boycotted polls in the past. We shall not take part in any meaningless election," he said.

He, however, hastened to add saying, "Taking part in the election or not will depend on the steps of the present Government. The final decision will be taken in consultation with the Chairperson and within the party forum."

He said this when his attention was drawn to the statement of Awami League (AL) Acting President Zillur Rahman, who said they would not go to election without party Chief and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is detained in prison on corruption charges.

Hannan Shah said Awami League is an old and big party. Their declared policy on taking part in the election was found controversial and self-contradictory in the past.

"BNP means Begum Khaleda Zia," he said, adding, "Our Chairperson was elected by the party Council. Khaleda Zia will lead the party as chairperson until the next councils held."

Begum Zia, the immediate-past Prime Minister, is imprisoned on corruption charges along with both of her sons.

Asked if action will be taken against the reformists in the party, Hannan Shah said, "They will all return and work with us. That is what we are expecting with patience."

Staff Reporter

Godfather of Yaaba drug dealers Amin Huda's girl friend Nasima Hossain Deeba was sent to jail yesterday, while her associate Moniruzzaman Monir was placed on a three-day police remand for interrogation.

On the other hand, Amin Huda was being questioned at Task Force Intelligence (TFI) Cell of RAB from Sunday night.

RAB sources said Amin Huda disclosed some vital information to the investigators on the first day of questioning at TFI Cell.

Amin Huda succeeded to spread the addiction of contraband drug Yaaba through his girl friends in different areas of the city including Gulshan, Banani, New DOHS, Uttara and Dhanmondi areas.

Receiving information from Amin Huda, the RAB and police teams have been raiding into different parts of the city to nab drug dealers.

The sources said Amin Huda disclosed the names of many top personalities who were involved in Yaaba trading.

Meanwhile, Nasima Hossain Deeba, who was arrested by the Detective Branch of police from a flat at Kotwali police station area on Saturday night, was sent to jail yesterday through the court as she is an addict. Under questioning, she disclosed the names of another two girlfriends of Amin Huda to the investigators. Both the girl friends live in Gulshan area.

Besides, the DB police have started interrogating Moniruzzaman, an accomplice of Amin Huda and Deeba under a three-day remand.

Deputy Assistant Police Commissioner (DB) Abdus Sobhan said Moniruzzaman disclosed the names of several persons who were associated with Yaaba trading. All of them belong to Gulshan-Banani areas and members of wealthy families.

Staff Reporter

In the wake of a poor and unsatisfactory response from the taxpayers, the Government yesterday extended the deadline for submitting income tax return by one month.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) in a circular yesterday said the taxpayers could submit their income tax returns by November 30.

This is for the second time that the Government extended the time-limit for 30 days to submit income tax returns.

Talking to the reporters, NBR chairman Mohammad Abdul Majid said he was not satisfied with the number of income tax returns submitted so far. "But I'm hopeful about increase of number of returns."

The newly-appointed NBR chairman said the time-limit was extended as many taxpayers could not pay income tax due to the recent floods, and Eid-ul-Fitr and Durga Puja holidays.

"This is for the first time the NBR has introduced the universal self-assessment system to facilitate the income tax payment. We want to develop a client-oriented system so that the TIN holders can pay income tax without any hassles," he said.

"The deadline will not be extended further. If any taxpayer will fail to pay income tax within this extended time-limit, he or she will have to pay fines for everyday," he warned.

The government has fixed the target of Tk 10,838 crore during the current fiscal year from taxes on income and profit. But till October 25, NBR collected Tk 458.65 crore from 2,26,993 persons, which was less than 50 per cent compared to the previous fiscal year.

The number of persons submitted income tax returns last year was 5,35,994 with the government earning Tk 252.11 crore for the national exchequer.

NBR sources said there are around 20 lakh Tax Identification Number (TIN) holders in the country.