The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Supreme Court has published the amendments of the 'The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)' that regulates inquiry, investigation and trial of criminal cases in the subordinate courts.

Chief Justice M Ruhul Amin formally unfurled the compiled amended CrPC at a simple ceremony at the Judges' Lounge of the Supreme Court yesterday, ten days after the Separation of Judiciary from Executive control.

Chief Justice Amin, in his brief speech, said the CrPC book was published at the initiative of the Supreme Court. "It will be distributed to the subordinate courts across the country within a week for their use," he added.

Judges of the Appellate Division, Attorney General, President and Secretary of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) were present at the function.

Attorney General Fida M Kamal and SCBA President Barrister M Amir-Ul Islam congratulated the Chief Justice on his initiative for publishing the book, which is useful for all concerned to have knowledge and idea about the updates of law.

Staff Reporter

The Government has approved some new rental power plants in private sector with a total electricity generation capacity of 500 to 600 MW.

Dr M Fauzul Khan, Secretary of Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources discussed this while speaking at a roundtable discussion Saturday on "Power for all by 2020."

Besides that, the Power Secretary also has stated that, formation of the "Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC)" has been completed, which will enjoy complete independence in taking any related decision.

Explaining the government's latest power vision to confirm 60 per cent electricity coverage by 2010, the secretary of Power Division stated that the recently established BERC has been given authorisation to take decisions related to the power sector, including power price.

According to him, the BERC has been established to act independently, which will take steps to enable our national grid to meet local demand. Government will only play external advisory role in their decisions. In this process, involving the private sector in power generation is vital, he said.

However, in the government vision statement "Power for all by 2020," the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources have recast a shorter power goal, "60 per cent electricity coverage by 2010." To make it successful, the Power Development Board has raised electricity production by 500MW within last two to three months, he stated. "It was done, only by restructuring decision making authority within the division," added the Secretary. "Now, the plant manager of a particular power plant takes his own decision to control production on the basis of current demand.

Earlier, such decisions were taken by the Minister," he added.

Moreover, establishment opportunity of another 300 rental power plants in private sector were given approval with a capacity of 500-600MW, all together. The approval was given with a condition to start production within 120 days from its approval, he stated. Besides, a 120MW electricity generating 'Peak Hour Plant' is under development to meet raising electricity demand during peak hours.

"We have taken all these initiatives to facilitate our consumers with a better summer next year," said Dr Fauzul Khan, while explaining the development projects. In addition to these, he however mentioned that the three power generation projects at Bibiana, Sirajganj and Meghna Ghat are expected to complete by December 2008. All three of them are capable of generating 450MW electricity each from natural gas as primary source.

"Saving 1MW electricity means getting one MW in the time of necessity," Secretary of Power Division, however, added while speaking on the necessity to change our approach of wasting power. On the other hand, he also stressed to restrict our system loss ratio bellow 10 per cent from its present 20-25 per cent.

Talking about the potentiality of renewable energy sources in Bangladesh, he named several projects, which are already underway, initiated by the government. But commercial power generation projects from renewable sources are still in experimental stage, he added.

In his address, President Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) Hossain Khalid advised the government authority to finalize National Coal Policy as early as possible.

"Finalisation of Coal Policy for effective extraction and utilization of domestic coal is vital. Our coal reserves, about 14,000million tons, equivalent to 37 TCF gas, could be vital for power generation," the President of DCCI stated. Moreover, he proposed to establish more coal fired power plants with involvement of local and foreign investments.

The Dhaka Chambers of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) and the Daily Star organised the RTD, which was presided over by the Editor of the Daily Star Mahfuz Anam.

On the occasion, Editor of the Daily Star Mahfuz Anam, Chairman Power Development Board Muhammad K Hyat Khan, Director Petrobangla Muhammad Muktadir Ali, Director Summit Power Touhidul Islam, Power Manager of Meghna Power Limited Reazul Haq presented keynote papers.

Staff Reporter

Proper planning, integrated programmes and invention of new technologies are needed to face the Arsenic contamination problem in Bangladesh.

Speakers said this at the launching ceremony of Integrated Community Based Arsenic Mitigation Programme of NGO Forum of drinking water supply and sanitation aided by European Union and Misereor in the city yesterday.

They urged the government, NGOs, doctors, media and other organisations to work together to fight the devastating Arsenic contamination of the country.

The Tk nine crore ICBAM Programme will be run in 100 unions of 20 districts covering about 2.2 million people.

The main objective of the project is to improve access to safe drinking water, ensure proper health care facilities, warn people about the danger of arsenic poisoning and provide training to the people of the area on income generating activities.

A survey report of Mahabubur Rahman Chowdhury, Chief, Monitoring and Evaluation, NGO Forum for DWSS says only 12.2 per cent of the people of the 100 unions get regular medical services and 58.5 per cent are deprived.

Twenty-nine per cent people get irregular medical support. The report says 70.6 per cent of the medical support provided to the people is by the government hospitals and the NGO clinics and healthcare centres provide only 29.4 per cent medical service.

Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Dr Md Shahjahan Biswas was chief guest at the inaugural ceremony presided over by Prof Dr M Firoz Ahmed. European Commission delegate Koyen Dechatu and Head of Pharmacology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Prof Dr Mesbah Uddin was special guest.

Dr Shahjahan Biswas said the crisis of drinking water was increasing day by day and arsenic contamination has complicated the programme of distributing pure drinking water to the people.

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh has been recognized as one of the five countries in the Asia, where HIV/AIDS infections are increasing according to 8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP8) in Colombo 2007.

Bangladesh is a country of 150 million. Although Bangladesh is a low prevalence country for HIV/AIDS, all the factors that may allow rapid spread of infection leading to an epidemic are present here. These factors include poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, proximity, malnutrition, unemployment, slum housing, family fragility, physical and sexual abuse, high prevalence of STIs, sharing injecting equipment, high-risk behavior, lack of awareness and knowledge (lack of proper communication strategy), very mobile populations, human trafficking into prostitution, stigmatization of those infected, conservative social attitudes, and being surrounded by countries that have a higher prevalence increases the HIV risk. Sharing injecting equipment increases the HIV risk.

In addition increased number of migrant workers (there is evidence of high rates of HIV transmission to wives from their husbands after their return from abroad), unsafe practice in health service, unsafe sex practice, increasing number of homosexuality, low popularity of condoms & lack of voluntary blood donors & dependence on professional blood sellers further increases.

According to the government statistics, a cumulative total of 874 cases of HIV/AIDS has been confirmed and reported as of 31st December 2006. A total of 240 AIDS cases were detected so far of which 109 had already died.

A government survey found that out of 216 new HIV positive cases identified in 2006, unemployed people were on top of the list at 39.35 per cent followed by housewives at 21.29 per cent and businessmen at 10.18 per cent.

Injecting drug users (IDU) in Dhaka are at high risk of HIV/AIDS, according to new study by ICDDR,B. HIV prevalence in Dhaka has dramatically risen to 7% from 1.7% in last six years.

Sharing of injection equipment is common in most IDU surveyed. The IDU are not isolated as they have sex partners, both commercial and non-commercial, they rarely use condoms and some sell blood.

Sharing of injection equipment is common in most IDU surveyed. The IDU are not isolated as they have sex partners, both commercial and non-commercial, they rarely use condoms and some sell blood. IDU are also mobile traveling from one city to another and sharing injection equipment in different cities. Mobility is major factor that increases the risk of acquiring and spreading HIV infection among the non-drug users.

The adolescent and youth are also vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. A survey among adolescents and young people (15-24 years) in 2005 revealed that only one out of 3 males in urban and 1 out of 4 in rural areas had correct knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Nearly 59 per cent of married women and 42 per cent of men of age 15-54 group have no knowledge as how to avoid HIV.

Future Priorities:

Mandatory testing for HIV infection is common in many countries before traveling and those returning from countries with high HIV/AIDS prevalence. Bangladesh should follow these norms. To prevent a major epidemic, Bangladesh needs to address HIV/AIDS using a multi-pronged strategy: firstly, Formulating the national HIV/AIDS communication strategy, secondly, concentrating on groups most vulnerable to the infection; thirdly, working with the general population (community mobilization and community supports); and fourthly, care and support to those already infected and affected by HIV/AIDS has to be provided (voluntary counseling). Dissemination and advocacy can also play a big role. We need to change our society through public policy research, public awareness, increase funding, and community education. Above all Bangladesh should immediately translate its HIV/AIDS policies into action to benefit the people of this country and for that reason we need strong and an effective leadership. Other wise HIV/AIDS will destroy the economic growth of the Country. We the inhabitants of this planet are to work hard together to control this scourge because 'to conquer AIDS any where, it must be conquered everywhere'- Late J. Mann.

BSS, Dhaka

A meeting of the Council of Advisers yesterday approved in principle the Consumers Rights Protection Ordinance-2007 with a view to protecting the interest of the consumers. Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed chaired the meeting held at his office. Members of the Council of Advisers attended the meeting.

After the meeting, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim at a press briefing said the Council asked the Commerce and Law Ministries to place it before the council within two months after necessary scrutiny to avoid any duplication and studying such ordinances in other countries.

He said the meeting also okayed in principle the Securities and Exchange Commission (Amendment) Ordinance-2007.

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The meeting asked the concerned authorities to file an appeal with the Dutch Supreme Court regarding the case of Tulip Computers, a Dutch company. It also directed them to continue their efforts for an out of the court settlement of the issue.

Earlier, the Tulip Computers filed a case against Bangladesh for not procuring computers from it, as per contract, for the educational institutions.

He said the meeting also reviewed a report on improvement of standard of services of the officers and general members of the police. It discussed various measures taken by the authorities to improve discipline in police and the facilities provided for them.

The meeting reviewed the price situation of essentials and directed all concerned to keep smooth supply of the commodities in the market.

It also directed all concerned to ensure proper distribution of fertilisers among the farmers, he added.

Cabinet Secretary and the Secretaries concerned were present at the meeting.

BSS, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said yesterday that the government has formulated a seven-point strategy to ensure welfare of the expatriate workers and increase manpower export.

Addressing a press conference at his office, Dr. Chowdhury who is also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment said in addition to traditional markets, the government will explore new markets for manpower exports in Scandinavian, European Union and Eastern European countries.

The foreign adviser named countries like Russia, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Poland and Canada as possible markets. He said the government will take steps for expanding its existing markets like Oman, UAE, Qatar and Libya.

In this context, he told a questioner that a minister from Oman will visit Dhaka next month and labour minister of Qatar has shown interest to visit Bangladesh.

Libya is expected to recruit 2000 Bangladeshis, he said and added he has written a letter to his Brunei counterpart to visit Dhaka. The oil rich country can become a potential investor for Bangladesh, he said.

Dr. Chowdhury said the government wants to turn unskilled and semi-skilled workforce into skilled manpower so that per capita income increases. In this regard, he said the government has been taking steps for increasing skill in areas like English and other languages, nursing and ICT.

Giving a comparative picture, he said a total of 4.75 lakh people were sent abroad on employment till 10th November this year as against 3.81 lakh last year.

The remittance till October of current year has stood at US$5.31 billion compared to US $5.31 billion in the whole of last year.

The foreign adviser said the government has taken initiatives to create awareness in backward areas so that people from such areas can find employment abroad. As a result, the remittance received from such people will help alleviate poverty of monga prone areas, he said.

Dr. Chowdhury said the government wants to encourage investment of foreign remittance for constructive purposes like special economic zone and investment for setting up industries. Bangladesh, he said will work together with World Trade Organization and International Organization of Migration to ensure welfare of Bangladeshi workers.

He said the government will also introduce strong monitoring system so that Bangladeshi workers are not subjected to cheating. In this regard different law enforcing agencies including the task force will be engaged, he said.

Referring to his just concluded visit to Norway and Sweden, he said both the countries attach importance to Bangladesh. They want to find Bangladesh as their strategic partner in South Asia and also in international arena, he said adding Norway will recruit engineers having skill in English for its oil sector.

Both the countries, he said have shown interest to recruit people having skill in ICT sector. He said five-year cooperation agreement between Bangladesh and Sweden is under process. Bangladesh, he said gets US$38 million assistance from Sweden annually.

Norway, he said will continue to provide assistance to Bangladesh in the field of women empowerment, democracy and human rights and environment sectors.

Secretary, ministry of expatriates welfare and overseas employment Abdul Matin Chowdhury was present.

Replying to a question on Pakistan situation he said, "we are monitoring the situation, which is still fluid. We hope that it will be able to resolve the problems soon which is good for the world and also for the region."

Describing Pakistan as a nuclear power, he said the people of Pakistan should be in charge of their own destiny.

Staff Reporter

Eastern Bank Ltd introduced a new deposit scheme titled "EBL Shubidha" for small and medium entrepreneurs (SME).

This was announced at a press conference at Hotel Sheration in the city yesterday.

Ali Reza Iftekhar Managing Director (MD) and CEO of EBL, Muklesur Rahman, head of SME, Zahid Hossain, head of business development, Nazeem A Choudhury head of marketing were present at the press conference.

For easy access to bank, EBL offered Small and Medium Entrepreneurs to do day-to-day business transactions through this business account.

All legitimate business entities such as solo proprietorship, partnership or private limited companies with valid trade licences and other documents as per Bangladesh Bank requirements could open EBL Shubidha accounts.

EBL Shubidha offered some facilities for the account holder including minimum opening and minimum deposit requirement for interest was TK one lakh, daily interest bearing and haly-yearly interest, 24-hour money withdrawal facilities with VISA and ATM cards, no intercity transaction fee up to TK one lakh, among others.

This deposit offered 5 per cent interest on day transaction. But to receive these facilities SME should open a new EBL Shubidha Account.

UNB, Khulna

Mayor of Khulna Sheikh Tayebur Rahman facing 8 criminal and corruption cases was sent to jail when produced before the CMM court today at the end of police remand in an arms case. Magistrate Mahbubur Rahman rejected the bail petition and ordered the mayor to prison.

Khulna Jail Super Solaiman Ali said the Mayor would be given division in jail as per jail code.

Tayebur Rahman, a BNP leader and High Commissioner to Senegal during the regime of President Ziaur Rahman, was elected mayor of Khulna. He was arrested from his Gulshan residence in Dhaka on November 2 on charge of extortion of Tk 2.9 lakh.

Five mayors of Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet cities are now in jail. Only mayor of Dhaka city Sadeq Hossain Khoka is still remained untouched but he is listed as corrupt-suspect by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh on Sunday hoped for early resolution of the current problems in Pakistan, saying stability in the country is important for peace and welfare of South Asia and the world.

"We're monitoring the developments. It is still a fluid situation. We truly hope that it does not get unstable," Foreign Advisor Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury told reporters.

He said, "Our natural aspiration is that the problems would be resolved soon. It would be good bilaterally, regional and globally." The Advisor said Pakistan is an important nuclear power. Besides, it has strong conventional forces and it is important that problems there be resolved.

Chowdhury however termed the current problems as internal matters of Pakistan, saying that the people of Pakistan are in charge of deciding their own destiny.

In reply to a question, he said there is a difference between the state of emergency in Bangladesh and Pakistan. He said the state of emergency has been imposed in Bangladesh under the constitutional provision.

BSS, Narayanganj

Education Adviser Ayub Quadri yesterday asked the concerned officials to reach fertiliser to the farmers in time so that they can cultivate potato and Boro paddy without any trouble.

"There is no fertiliser crisis in the country," he said adding supply of fertilisers as well as seeds to the farmers has to be ensured in the greater interests of the nation.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a views exchange meeting in the conference room of the District Collectorate office here.

Police Super Shibgat Ullah, Army Commander Lieutenant Colonel Shams, ADC (general) Shakhawat Hossain, Alirtek Union Parisad Chairman Motiur Rahman, local business leader Abdul Halim, General Secretary of Narayanganj district unit of Bangladesh Fertiliser Association M Selim and local BMA unit President Dr Shah Newaj also spoke on the occasion.

The Adviser said distribution of fertiliser should not be hampered anyway as 51 dealers of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) are engaged in supplying T.S.P., urea, MOP and phosphate properly.

He also asked the farmers to use appropriate 'dose' of fertiliser to increase fertility of land.

Lt. Col. Shams informed the meeting that fertilisers worth Taka 40 lakh were distributed free of cost in the district as part of the post-flood rehabilitation programme.

Regarding the prices of essential commodities, ADC (general) Shakhawat Hossen informed the meeting that 14 fair price shops are now running in five upazilas of the district in-cooperation with the Joint Forces.

He said a market-monitoring cell has been formed to look after the wholesalers and retailers to identify the causes of the price hike.

He informed the meeting that two retailers were arrested for selling essential commodities more than double than the purchasing price during the holy month of Ramadan.

Earlier, Quadri, who is also the Adviser for Primary, Mass Education and Culture, inaugurated the first-ever Computer and Internet connection based information and inquiry centre with website at the District Collectorate Building in the morning.

Home Secretary Md Abdul Karim, Establishment Secretary Abdus Salam Khan, Jhon Wales and Lion Mozammel Haq Bhuiyan spoke.

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Advisor Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury has said Norway and Sweden expressed their eagerness to accept Bangladesh as a strategic partner to increase economic and political cooperation.

Briefing reporters on his just ended visit to the two Scandinavian countries, he said Norway is eager to take engineers well versed in English language to work for its oil sector.

Besides, both Norway and Sweden are willing to recruit skilled manpower in IT sector.

The Advisor said a process is underway to sign a 5-year development cooperation between Bangladesh and Sweden (2008-2012). Sweden provides US$ 38 million assistance to Bangladesh annually.

He said Norway will continue its economic assistance programme for women empowerment, democracy, human rights and environment. The development cooperation agreement between Dhaka and Oslo has been extended till April, 2008.

The Advisor said Norway and Sweden have expressed willingness to work with Bangladesh in the wake of current events in South Asia.