The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Massive relief operations were launched for thousands of people in cyclone-affected districts yesterday from the Relief and Rehabilitation Coordination Headquarters set up at Barisal Airport.

The Bangladesh Army, in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps launched a massive humanitarian mission for hundreds of thousands of cyclone survivors in southern districts by helicopters from a makeshift airbase in the river port of Barisal, officials said yesterday.

The US Marines arrived over the weekend aboard the US warship USS Kearsarge to help Bangladesh deal with the aftermath of the super- cyclone SIDR, which pulverized the fragile coastline on November 16.

Officials said that the new coordination center would ensure quick and better distribution of relief materials and logistic support to the thousands of cyclone victims.

"We're giving highest priority to the proper distribution of relief materials among the cyclone-affected people in a coordinated manner from Barisal," a senior government relief official told The New Nation yesterday.

Local disaster management officials said Barisal was chosen as the location for an airbase for the Marines in order to coordinate the delivery of food, bottled water and medicines to the stricken cyclone survivors.

Bangladesh Air Force is now flying relief goods with 13 helicopters and planes in the cyclone-hit areas, officials said.

Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed has said the Bangladesh Army would start distribution of food in the remote areas of the cyclone affected districts from today (Monday) in cooperation with the US Marines.

While receiving donations for the cyclone victims yesterday, he said as many as 96 makeshift helipads have already been constructed at the union level to ensure reaching the relief materials to the remote areas.

Different individuals and organisations yesterday donated Tk 6.10 crore to the Bangladesh Army's Relief Fund for the distressed people in the cyclone-affected areas.

Receiving the donations, the Army Chief conveyed his heartfelt thanks to them for standing beside the distressed humanity at this crucial period.

Moeen said right now the main objective of the Bangladesh Army is to send food to the remote areas. Members of the Bangladesh Army is working relentlessly in this regard.

The army chief also called for coordination in relief operations, as many survivors remained without adequate aid nine days after the cyclone ravaged 12 southern districts.

"Please coordinate with us, so that we can dispatch your relief goods to the survivors who need it most," General Moeen told them..

Moeen said US Navy ships had arrived to conduct relief operations for survivors in coordination with the Bangladesh government.

The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge and another ship, the USS Essex are now in Bangladeshi waters to assist the authorities.

Each ship carries about 20 helicopters, which will help in delivering water, food and medical supplies to remote areas in the south and southwestern regions, officials said.

A pair of Marine helicopters carried 750 gallons (3,410 litres) of bottled waters yesterday from the USS Kearsarge to the southern coastal city of Barisal.

Government relief officials said the two ships would start full-fledged relief operations from today (Monday).

"If we can utilise the huge capabilities of the U.S. ships, we can successfully conduct a useful relief operation for the survivors," Moeen said.

On the other hand, the coordination committee held a meeting at the center at Barisal Airport yesterday morning, which was attended, among others, by the Army, Navy and Air Force officials.

After the meeting, Maj Gen Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, General Commanding Officer of Jessore Cantonment and Regional Coordinator of Relief Operations, told reporters that the property losses caused by cyclone is estimated at US$ 2.3 billion, or Tk 16,100 crore. The amount of assistance received so far is Tk 3,290 crore.

He said a mobile medical team of the US Army would start working in the cyclone ravaged areas from today.

"The relief operations have gathered pace with the arrival of more aid from donor countries, agencies and private charities. We've also got increased logistics support," said Navy commander Bashir Ahmed, who is coordinating help to the worst-hit Barguna district. Ahmed said he believed virtually all survivors had now received at least two deliveries of aid.

The needs, however, remained huge and it would take weeks to ensure adequate supplies to all victims, he added.

US marines from the USS Kearsarge were carrying out airlifts of water and other supplies for a second day, a US embassy official said.

In the badly-hit Patharghata town, local administrator Salim Khan told reporters supplies were finally reaching victims. "The emergency crisis is overcome," he said, adding, however, that more materials would be needed later.

Aid workers said getting fresh water to victims remained a priority as the prospect of outbreaks of water-borne diseases looms.

Many of those in coastal districts have seen their traditional sources of drinking water contaminated by saline water which cannot be treated by water purification tablets.

"Some 1,734 people are missing," said Major Nawrose, who uses one name, of the armed forces control room, adding that many of those unaccounted for were likely to have been swept away by the tidal surge.

Others were fishermen who "went out to sea before the cyclone and did not return, although we cannot say they are all dead yet," Nawrose added.

In Patharghata, popularly known as the fishing capital of Bangladesh, the industry directly supports 200,000 people.

Coastguards and the government's weather department had warned boats to stay in port as the cyclone approached. But many villagers told reporters that they did not take the warning seriously because of frequent previous alerts.

One person died and 10 more were seriously injured on Saturday when a bridge in village Kalapara in Patharghata of Patuakhali district collapsed under the weight of 1,000 people queueing for relief.

The United Nations estimates that the cyclone has affected 6.7 million people in 30 of the country's 64 districts, causing severe economic losses.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN said 92,000 hectares of crops had been ruined, 500,000 hectares partly damaged and around 350,000 livestock lost.

"Serious damage has also been observed in the fisheries and shrimp aquaculture sectors," a statement said.

About 4 million people in 12 districts in south-western Bangladesh were hit by the cyclone that razed villages, toppled trees and damaged road and rail lines. Most of the affected are poor fishermen, rice growers and shrimp farmers.

An estimated 1 million people have to be sheltered against the upcoming biting winter while another 2.6 million living in abject poverty need food provisions.

Meanwhile, more than two million cyclone survivors in Bangladesh's southwest coastal areas are in dire need of "immediate, life-saving" food assistance, the United Nations said in a rapid assessment report.

The report noted that immediate drinking water supplies are required for an estimated 1.2 million people, after the cyclone contaminated water wells in the worst affected areas.

The UN assessment also identified the rapid need to expand the distribution of nutritionally balanced rations of rice, pulses, oil and other foodstuffs. "Food and water are the highest priority needs to help the victims save their lives," the report said.

Materials such as tents, tarpaulins and corrugated iron sheets, wood, poles and tools are high priority items in the worst affected districts, where houses located near shorelines were the most damaged. "This is particularly urgent since temperatures are dropping with the advent of winter. Blankets and warm clothing are also important in this regard," the report added.

The quick repair of medical facilities and health clinics, the restoration of electricity and assistance in re-establishing sanitation facilities are also critical, according to the assessment report.

Staff Reporter

At least two persons were killed during a robbery in the city's Mirpur early yesterday.

Local people caught red handed one of the robbers and gave him mass beating. Two firearms were also recovered, police said.

One of the deceased was identified as Mohammad Ali, who hailed from Dhamia village under Kotwali thana in Bhola district. He was a resident of House -6 at Road-5 of Bloc-C (New) in Mirpur Section -1. Mohammad Ali was a trader of electronics goods.

Another deceased was identified as garments employee Monir Hossain, who hailed from Boalmari thana in Faridpur district. He was residing at Hasi Villa at Road-5 in 18/E Block of Mirpur Section-1.

The miscreants committed the robbery at the residence of car businessman Jalal Ahmed Sikder, a resident of House-21 at Road-5 of Block-C in Mirpur 1/E under Shah Ali thana. They also looted valuables worth more than Tk 15 lakh, including gold of 35 tolas and cash Tk 2.65 lakh.

Police said a gang of 10 to 12 armed bandits entered Jalal Sikder's residence at about 3 am by cutting the window grill.

Local people said, "The house inmates raised alarm when the bandits were fleeing with the booty. Hearing the hue and cry, neighbours rushed to the scene and chased the bandits."

Sensing danger, 3 to 4 dacoits tried to take shelter at a house in Block-C and opened fire at the people chasing them. Mohammad Ali, who was on way to local mosque to offer Fajr prayers, received a gunshot while Monir Hossain fell from the roof of a three-storied building out of fear during the robbery and also died on the spot.

Meanwhile, local people caught red handed one of the dacoits, Mantu Hawlader, and recovered a revolver and seven rounds of bullet from his possession while others managed to flee. Another revolver and two cartridges were also recovered from the roof of Jalal's house, police said.

Jalal Sikder said that the robbers took about two hours for committing the robbery as they searched the entire house.

He said immediately after the incident, he went to the nearby police station and informed the musallis who came out after offering the Fajr prayers, who ran after the miscreants.

Witnesses said when the musallis chased the robbers, they started firing indiscriminately in which Mohammad Ali was killed.

DMCH sources said Mohammad Ali received bullet at his abdomen and died at 9:30 am. Garment employee Monir received wounds at his chest and head.

Besides, alleged robber Mantu Hawlader was admitted to the DMCH in the morning as his condition was also stated to be critical.

Police said they started a massive hunt to arrest his accomplices.

BBC Online

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has returned home to Pakistan after eight years in exile.

Sharif, who was toppled by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in 1999, arrived in Lahore from Saudi Arabia.

Supporters had been celebrating his anticipated return, although reports say hundreds have been arrested by Pakistani security forces.

It comes amid a political crisis in Pakistan, which has been placed under emergency rule weeks before elections.

Speaking to the BBC from a mobile telephone just after his plane landed, Sharif explained why he had returned.

"I'm here to play my role and also to make my own efforts to rid the country of the dictatorship," he said.

He also said he wanted to retore the rule of law and strengthen democracy.

Hundreds of policemen with riot shields and batons were deployed at the airport where Sharif landed.

The BBC's Shoaib Hasan in Lahore says some two thousand of the former prime minister's supporters crowded into the airport terminal, shouting slogans such as "The Lion has returned".

He says that despite the police presence, the atmosphere was not as tense as it was in September, when Sharif first attempted to return.

Then he was deported to Saudi Arabia within hours of arriving.

Government officials said Sharif would be allowed back into the country, after reaching an "understanding" with Gen Musharraf.

BBC Pakistan correspondent Barbara Plett says Sharif remains opposed to Gen Musharraf, but that he no longer poses a direct threat because the military leader has recently secured another presidential term by declaring an emergency.

His return on Sunday would be in time to file nomination papers to contest parliamentary elections on 8 January.

Opposition leaders, including Benazir Bhutto - another former prime minister who also recently returned from exile - are divided over whether to boycott the elections.

Security had been tightened in Lahore ahead of Sharif's return.

Two bombings killed more than 130 people at a homecoming parade for Ms Bhutto last month, and Sharif has been provided with an armour-plated Mercedes car by the Saudi King Abdullah for his journey home.

He is expected to travel from the airport, through city centre, to a shrine about 20km (12.5 miles) away, followed by a visit to his ancestral home, where he will say prayers at his father's grave.

Thousands of people are expected to turn out to welcome Sharif, and the route from the airport to the city has been lined with posters and banners celebrating his homecoming.

Ahead of his return, officials from Sharif's PML-N party and police said PML-N supporters had been arrested across Punjab province, although it was not clear how many.

Staff Reporter

Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Information Barrister Mainul Hosein yesterday emphasised the need for distribution of relief materials in a coordinated manner in the cyclone affected southern part of the country.

Reaching of relief materials to everybody can be ensured, if the process of coordinated mechanism, earned from long experience, is followed in carrying out relief operation, he said while briefing journalists after an opinion exchange meeting with the news editors of electronic media.

The Adviser said proper distribution of relief goods would not be possible if someone wants to distribute foodstuff or drinking water to the affected people separately. One may visit a place where the Government had already distributed relief materials, he added.

That's why, he said, we suggested for distribution of relief materials through us or to carry out relief distribution informing the Government or taking its logistic support since the government has the information of what things are needed in which places.

In this context, he referred to the tragic incident that occurred after a bridge collapsed in Patuakhali during such an individual effort to distribute some clothes and foodstuff there. The distributor neither informed anyone nor took assistance from us, he said.

"Despite having good will, we all have to understand how we can reach materials to the affected people properly," the Law Adviser said adding, we have to be cautious so that no anarchic situation arises centring distribution of relief goods.

He called upon all to extend their cooperation in saving the lives of the affected people, creating employment opportunities for their livelihood and bringing normalcy to their lives.

Barrister Mainul Hosein said cleaning contaminated water of the ponds in the cyclone-affected areas had become a major problem.

Referring to the necessity of providing work to the affected people, the Adviser said the government, along with its test relief, would start Food for Work Programme from December.

The Law Adviser underlined the need for creating coordination with the local leaders and social workers at the union level to ensure reaching relief material to all.

He referred to the immediate steps taken by the government like taking the assistance of the joint forces, posted at Upazila level, to face the post disaster situation and said that there was still a crisis of relief materials. At the moment clothes were mostly needed in many places, he said.

Calling upon the business community to come forward in distributing clothes among the cyclone affected people, Barrister Mainul Hosein said the government has almost been able to arrange rice and pulse for the victims but we are urging the businessmen to provide saree, lungi and warm clothes as relief.

It is hard to claim total success in facing such a severe disaster in a short span of time despite all out preparedness, he said.

Terming the arrival of two US ships, carrying a number of helicopters, as a matter of good luck, he said the helicopters are being used in relief operation.

He said though the country did not appeal for international assistance it is getting a good response in this regard.

They (donors) are coming with assistance willingly seeing our sincere efforts to deal with the situation and observing the suffering of the people, he opined.

The Adviser, however, hoped that the government would get international assistance if it were necessary in carrying out long-term programmes, including construction of cyclone centres.

"We are getting enough assistance and certainly it is needed. We are getting promise and indication in this regard," he said.

Staff Reporter

Inadequate basic infrastructure is impeding foreign direct investments in Bangladesh and its competitive advantages over other competitors, said the President of Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) Hideo Ueno.

"Through the China+1 investment strategy by the Japan Government, Japanese investors have shown sizeable investment interest in Bangladesh to take advantage of its cheaper manpower and export quota facilities. But, lack of basic infrastructures do hesitate them," he said.

He was addressing a press conference yesterday to announce the 3rd Japan Trade Fair 2007, starting from November 20 to December 1st, at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center in the city.

According to the President of JBCCI, his chamber office receives a significant number of possible Japanese investment inquiries every month. As its fundamental motive, JBCCI provides relevant information as answers to them. This number is gradually increasing, which indicates growing Japanese interest towards investment in Bangladesh, he said.

Echoing his statement, Secretary General of JBCCI Dr Muazzem Hossain said, "Despite greater Japanese investment potential, lack of infrastructures like the port facilities, power securities and inadequate transportation system discourage possible investors."

However, overlooking all such drawbacks, some Japanese companies have set up their industries in Bangladesh, the Secretary General of JBCCI informed the media. "Some more establishments are also under process," he added.

Regarding the forthcoming trade fair, President of the 3rd Japan Trade Fair 2007 Matiur Rahaman said, "It reflects Japanese interest in Bangladesh."

"It is the third such occasion to organise Japan Trade fair in Bangladesh. Like earlier two occasions, both local and Japanese companies will exhibit their best products," he said.

According to him, some 58 companies will participate in the fair this year with 130 exhibition booths.

"Under the same roof, the Japanese companies will exhibit their best products and services for local consumers and the Bangladeshi companies will showcase their products, potential to export to Japan," the President of 3rd Japan Trade Fair-2007 added.

Moreover, it was also mentioned that the amount, which will be collected in form of visitors' gate money, would be donated to the cyclone victims. The fair will remain open for all visitors from 12:00pm to 8:00pm.

BBC Online

Leaders of Commonwealth states have drawn up an "action plan" to tackle climate change that falls short of any binding agreement.

The text, released after the second day of their summit in Uganda, is designed as a strong statement ahead of next month's UN climate talks.

But the 53-member group could not reach a consensus on binding emission cuts.

Meanwhile, India's Kamalesh Sharma has been appointed secretary general. He replaces New Zealand's Don McKinnon.

McKinnon is stepping down at the end of his four-year term.

On Saturday, the Commonwealth leaders are working at a retreat on Lake Victoria, away from media attention.

Officials had said the summit would try to iron out differences between member states on climate change.

Many Commonwealth nations, led by Britain, wanted an influential statement before next month's UN talks in Bali, which will discuss a new agreement to replace the Kyoto protocol, which expires in 2012.

But Canada had insisted that any statement should refer to the need for contributions from the world's major polluters, including the United States, which has so far resisted any binding targets.

Australia is also a major CO2 emitter. Like the US, its outgoing government has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol.

"There are clearly some (Commonwealth leaders) who are clearly not ready to use the term binding at this stage," Mr McKinnon said following Saturday's talks.

"The objective was to make a very strong political statement without getting caught up in too many technicalities ahead of Bali," he said, according to the AFP.

A Commonwealth statement announced a shared goal "to achieve a comprehensive post-2012 global agreement that strengthens, broadens, and deepens current arrangements", AFP reported.

"This should include a long-term aspirational goal for emissions reduction to which all countries would contribute," the statement said.

The first day of the summit was marred by clashes between protesters and police in Uganda's capital, Kampala.

Protesters denounced Britain's Queen Elizabeth for meeting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who they say abuses rights.

The three-day summit on Friday suspended Pakistan for civil rights violations under its emergency rule.

A new global trade agreement is also on the summit's agenda.

It is one of the most divisive issues for the Commonwealth, which includes some of the world's wealthiest nations as well as some of the poorest.

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Saturday expressed optimism that a new deal could be reached in the next few weeks.

The talks have repeatedly stalled since their inception in Qatar's capital, Doha, in 2001.