The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Donor countries are actively considering the government's request for 500,000 tons of food assistance to recoup food shortage caused by the cyclone SIDR.

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury and European Commission Head of the Delegation Ambassador Dr Stefan Frowein have separately assured Bangladesh in this regard.

Addressing a view-exchange meeting with journalists at his residence yesterday Anwar Choudhury said they are looking into the matter urgently. "We are looking into the request with urgency," he said.

Preferring to provide cash instead of goods, the British High Commissioner said, the decision in this regard would be taken soon.

He emphasised the need for taking action first and observed that buying food would involve much time in shipment and delivery to the affected people.

The British envoy said along with the government they would take the assistance of NGOs for the distribution of relief materials in the cyclone-hit areas.

Asked whether the state of emergency should be lifted for the political leaders to take part in relief distribution, he said that he did not think that the state of emergency is creating any restriction to relief distribution.

He, however, said that there should be an environment where everyone could be able to distribute relief materials freely.

"It is the government's decision when to lift the state of emergency," he said.

On the adverse impact of climate change particularly in developing countries the High Commissioner said all should work together to compensate the victims.

He said that a British aircraft was due in Dhaka Wednesday night and ferry relief materials from Friday.

The meeting was also addressed by Deputy Country Representative of DFID Sarah Sanyahumbi and Head of Press and Public Affairs of the British High Commission William Arunall-Culliford.

Meanwhile, Dr Stefan Frowein while addressing a meeting with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB) at hotel Sheraton yesterday said they would help Bangladesh so that it does not face big trouble due to shortage of food.

Dr Stefan Frowein in his written statement said, "A return to the street confrontational and irreconcilable party politics which characterises the pre-1/11 era would be catastrophic for Bangladesh.

Referring to government appeal for food aid he said the donors community is coming forward to help Bangladesh procure its required quantity of foodgrain.

He said there is a proposal that WFP be given the task of procuring the required quantity of foodgrain to avoid hassle in procurement.

A delegation from the EU will be coming to Dhaka on a 2-week mission to assess the cyclone damages and the post-cyclone rehabilitation needs.

Asked whether Bangladesh should be compensated for the cyclone damage by those developed nations responsible for climate change, he said scientifically there might not be a direct link between climate change and cyclone SIDR.

However, he hastened to add that global warming is causing rise in sea level for which Bangladesh and the Maldives would be the first victims in Asia.

The Ambassador said the EU would ensure Bangladesh's participation in all discussions on climate change and its impacts.

On lifting of the state of emergency, Dr Frowein said, " We are not feeling fine with the state of emergency but it is a decision to be taken by the government and the people."

Dr Frowein, however, said the state of emergency here is being handled in a very pragmatic way and appreciated the 11-member caretaker government for running the country efficiently.

The Ambassador appreciated the sterling work of the Election Commission, government officials and the military in rising up to the challenge of producing a verifiable fair voter list with photographs.

DCAB president Anis Alamgir chaired the DCAB Talk while general secretary Rahit Ijaj made welcome remarks.

Staff Reporter

Twenty-two foreign countries, the European Commission and the United Nations have so far pledged US$ 200 million for the cyclone Sidr-affected victims of Bangladesh.

The countries and development partners which have pledged and provided aid in cash and kind for the cyclone victims are: Saudi Arabia ($102.763m), Japan ($18.47m), USA ($13.64m), Kuwait ($10m), UK ($10m), EC ($9.08m), Netherlands ($7.20m), UN CERF ($7m), Norway ($3.35m), Canada ($3.40m), Australia ($2.75m), Belgium ($2m), Italy ($1.52m), Germany ($1.44m), Sweden ($1.28m), India ($1m in cash and relief), China ($1.05m), Spain ($1.08m), Libya ($1m), Switzerland ($0.16m), Pakistan (relief goods and two shipload of coarse rice), Turkey ($1m), Korea ($0.50m), Sri Lanka ($0.025m) and Thailand ($0.015m).

More countries, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the United States yesterday contributed more funds for the cyclone-affected survivors of Bangladesh.

Besides, the international and local organizations provided further contributions for the cyclone victims.

The UK government yesterday provided further $4 million (Tk 28 crore) for the cyclone survivors.

Announcing the fresh emergency cyclone relief, Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development, said, "Unless emergency relief supplies get to victims it is all too likely that more people will die needlessly. That is why the UK continues to provide funds to get more food, clean water, basic shelter and other emergency relief supplies to tens of thousands of survivors."

Sarah Sanyahumbi, Acting Head of DFID, said: 'The additional funding will give people whose employment has been swept away the chance to earn a living and get back on their feet.'

This contribution raises the UK government's total contribution to $14 million (Tk 96 crore), providing clean water to 260,000 families, emergency supplies and food to 70,000 families and rebuilding more than 16,000 homes. The funds and relief materials are going through various UN agencies, Save the Children UK, Oxfam, and CARE International who are working with local NGOs.

The UK's total aid to Bangladesh in 2007-08 amounts to $234 million.

The Switzerland government has provided an additional US$ 3,00,000 as relief assistance for the cyclone victims.

The contribution includes one expert from Swiss government's Humanitarian Aid Division, who would arrive in Bangladesh soon to support the relief operation, said a Swiss Embassy press release yesterday.

The additional financial assistance would be used to provide food and temporary shelter materials to the cyclone affected people in Khulna and Bagerhat districts. The relief materials will be distributed through two local NGOs--Rupantar and Asroy, the release added.

A large US aircraft with fresh shipment of relief materials arrived Dhaka International Airport yesterday morning.

The fresh US shipment, valued at $290,000 includes four water-treatment units (able to fulfil the daily water requirements of 10,000 people each), four 10,000-litre water-storage units, 2,400 jerry cans and 10,000 blankets.

From the Barisal relief headquarters, these goods will be transferred

to USAID's non-government organisation partners--Save the Children and World Vision. The relief materials will be distributed in

Barguna, Patuakhali and Pirojpur districts.

Receiving the shipment, US Charge de Affaires Geeta Pasi said the US has been providing assistance to Bangladesh for a long time. "We will stay as long as we are needed."

She said her country is now engaged in provisioning immediate needs of people, like water, food and jerry cans. The US military has

played a critical role in helping the government in transporting relief supplies to remote areas, she added.

US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Denise Rollins, who was present at the airport indicated that as part of reconstruction plans the US has a plan under a longer-term engagement to construct more cyclone centres in the coastal areas of Bangladesh that are routinely ravaged by natural disaster.

Food and Disaster Management Secretary Dr Ayub Miah received the shipment at the airport.

Mentioning government's appeal for half a million ton of rice, Rollins said the US government had responded two days before by announcing to pay US$ 10 million in this regard. With this additional amount, the annual food aid for this year would come to US$ 40 million from US$ 30 million.

Two Pakistani naval ships yesterday delivered medicines and dry and canned foods to Bangladesh authorities at Chittagong seaport for distribution among the cyclone victims.

Regional Commander of local naval zone Commodore M Naser received the relief supplies from the Pakistani ships, which arrived Tuesday to join the ongoing relief and rehabilitation operations in the coastal areas.

Among others, Mission Commander of the Pakistani naval ships Commodore Wasim Akram and Captain of the Pakistani ships 'Nasr' and 'Shajahan' and senior officials of Bangladesh Navy were present, said an ISPR release in Dhaka.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is expanding its response to meet the immediate needs of some 15,500 additional survivors, according to a report received from Silver Spring, Maryland, USA yesterday.

On the evening of November 15, Cyclone Sidr, struck islands offshore of Bangladesh where an estimated 31 of Bangladesh's 64 districts were affected by the storm.

The worst affected areas include Bagerhat, Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, Gopalgonj, Jhalkhati, Khulna, Mandaripur, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Satkhira, and Shariatpur districts.

Meanwhile, 33 more individuals, institutions and organizations yesterday donated Tk 3,02,44,508 and US$ 15,04,000 to the Chief Adviser's Relief and Welfare Fund in aid of cyclone hit people.

Those donated fund were Turkish Ambassador on behalf of his government US$ 10 lakh, Korean Ambassador on behalf of his government US$ 5 lakh, one day salary of staffs and officers of Health Ministry and its departments Tk 1,13,34,404, one day salary of employees and officers of Privatisation Commission Tk 16,790 and Dhaka City College Tk 3.78 lakh.

Among others, Anjuman Mofidul Islam donated Tk 5 lakh, one day salary of staffs and officers of Bangladesh Audit and Accounts department Tk 7 lakh, Barclays Capital Tk 5 lakh, Thakurgaon District Association Tk 50,000, one day salary of officers and employees of Bangladesh Shilpa Bank Tk 2.20 lakh, Industrial units under BCIC, Dhaka Tk 31 lakh, Rajshahi University Tk 3 lakh, Chittagong EPZ Tk 15,15 lakh, Dhaka EPZ Tk 29.96 lakh, Comilla EPZ Tk 2.60 lakh, Adamjee EPZ Tk 2.89 lakh, Karnophuli EPZ Tk 90,000 and US$ 4,000, Mongla EPZ Tk 79,000, Ishwardi EPZ Tk 65,000, one day salary of officers and staffs of BEPZA Tk 1.43 lakh, one day salary of Bangladesh Shilpa Rin Sangstha Tk 1 lakh.

Besides, Chittagong Stock Exchange Ltd Tk 10 lakh, BKMEA Tk 25 lakh, Ana Olga Martinez Sanchez, JHK Traders S.L. Tk 12.50 lakh, Satsango Bangladesh Tk 5 lakh, Gulshan Club Tk 10 lakh, Gulshan Joggers Society Tk 1 lakh, Human Resource Development Co Ltd Tk 10 lakh, Gulshan Health Club Tk 1 lakh, Glaxo Smith Kline Employees Union Chittagong Tk 1 lakh, ACC Secretary Muklesur Rahman and his family Tk 22,000, Syed M Jasim Uddin, Bangaldeshi expatriate in Oman Tk 26,000 and Khandoker Rashiduzzaman Baridhara, Dhaka Tk 10,000 contributed to the CA's Relief and Welfare Fund.

Dhaka City Corporation Mayor and Ward Commissioners provided relief materials worth Tk 40 lakh for distribution of cyclone affected people. DCC Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka yesterday sent a fleet of 11 trucks loaded with relief goods to the affected Bagerhat, Barisal and Barguna districts from Nagar Bhaban yesterday.

The relief goods include rice, lentil, water cans, saree and lungi, blankets and sweaters, crushed rice, molasses, biscuits, cooking oil, shirts and trousers, jackets, medicines, water purification tablets, candles, utensils, and shoes and sandals.

Barisal Correspondent

US military helicopters and Bangladesh Air Force planes yesterday dropped food, water and medicine to tens of thousands of people along the country's devastated coast.

Though the relief supplies and aid pledges have poured into the country from around the globe, it has been slow in reaching the survivors, partly because many of them are in remote areas.

However, things are getting better slowly.

The Naval chief said relief reached to 95 per cent of the affected areas and the rest 5 per cent would get it very soon.

Naval Chief Vice Admiral Sarwar Zahan Nizam said that relief goods, including food, clothes and drinking water have been reached up to 95 of the affected areas and peoples in the rest 5 per cent of areas would be covered very soon.

In a briefing at the Central Relief Coordination Centre at Barisal Airport the Navy chief further said the government succeeded to supply sufficient food to the affected people within two weeks after the cyclone Sidr.

'Now we're in urgent need of winter clothes, blankets as temperature is dropping in the affected areas and requests have already been made seeking those items,' he said.

However, the threats of diarrhoea outbreak now looms in the cyclone-hit areas as patients have been receiving intravenous saline fluid in Barguna, Patuakhali and Bagerhat districts. Health officials report just over 300 diarrhoea cases, but no reported deaths.

"Waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, typhoid, dysentery, and acute respiratory tract infections like pneumonia are common after natural disasters like floods and cyclones," Mohammad Abdul Baset, health director of Barisal Division, told reporters, adding that children were more susceptible to diarrhoeal attack than adults.

"There is enough supply of oral re-hydration saline, intravenous fluids, water purifying tablets, antibiotics and safe drinking water," he said.

"It has not taken a severe shape," an army doctor working with a medical relief team in Morelganj of Bagerhat said, stressing preventive efforts were now under way.

Meanwhile, the military and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were continuing their efforts to supply WPT and bottled water to those affected to meet the rising demand.

"There are not many diarrhoeal patients at the moment, although experts are expecting probable outbreaks in the coming days," A. H. Taufique Ahmed, UNICEF's divisional officer for Barisal, told IRIN, citing a number of risk factors.

Many water points like tube wells, ponds and dug-wells in the affected areas have been fully or partially destroyed, while rotten carcasses of animals and fish have contaminated many of the ponds where people draw their water.

"The entire water system in the region has been polluted with pathogens," Ahmed said, adding, however, that there was no need for immediate worry.

"The government has enough buffer stock of oral re-hydration salts, intravenous fluid, water purifying tablets and medicine in stock," he assured.

"We will continue to provide more support," said Geeta Pasi, Charge d' Affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka yesterday.

The United States, which has already provided more than US$14.4 million in emergency funds, handed out water purification treatment units, four 10,000-liter water storage units, 2,400 jerry cans and 10,000 blankets in battered southwestern Bangladesh.

Helicopters from the USS Kearsarge, anchored off the Bangladesh coast, airlifted the goods from Zia International Airport to Barisal for distribution among survivors in Patuakhali, Bagerhat and other badly affected areas, Pasi said.

Denise Rollins, Mission Director of the USAID, said they were working with the Bangladesh government to tackle any possible food crisis.

"Food is a major issue. We and other donors are thinking about how we can respond to the government's appeal," Rollins said at the airport, where officials were gathered to distribute the goods.

The government asked foreign donors on Tuesday for 500,000 tons of rice to prevent possible food shortages after Cyclone Sidr damaged large areas of rice fields.

More than 600 survivors are suffering from sicknesses such as diarrhea from drinking contaminated water, and respiratory problems and fevers from exposure, a Health Ministry disease control room said.

M. Ayub Miah, Secretary to the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, welcomed the US assistance.

"We are happy that we are getting a positive response," he said.

The British government is airlifting 43,000 blankets and 24,000 jerry cans from Abu Dhabi, its Department for International Development said.

Separately, UNICEF is planning about 400 daycare centers for homeless children in the devastated region in coming weeks, it said.

The agency plans to supply blended food for about 338,000 children under five years and for 123,500 pregnant women, it said in a statement.

About 600,000 children under five have been affected by the cyclone, UNICEF said.

The Education Ministry said yesterday that it would allocate extra funds to local authorities to buy books and rebuild schools destroyed by the cyclone.

"We plan to restart education activities on a full scale in the cyclone-affected areas within a month," Education Secretary Momtajul Islam said in a statement. The school year usually starts in January across the country.

Meanwhile, some 2,000 members of Navy, Air Force and other defense forces with thirty ships are engaged in relief operations among the cyclone victims and they have been going to remote and isolated areas with helps for the distressed peoples, the Navy chief said.

Rehabilitation in economic sectors would take some more time as affected people are now busy with reconstruction and repair of destroyed and damaged houses. It would become normal within the next two weeks, he hoped.

Commodore Imam, deputy naval chief, Commodore Tauhiduzzaman, commander of Khulna naval base, Brig General Rashiduzzaman were present during the briefing.

On the other hand, Communications Adviser Major General MA Matin (Retd), who is in charge of overall relief coordination, yesterday called upon journalists to project any irregularity in relief distribution and rehabilitation activities in the cyclone affected areas.

He was briefing newsmen at the Central Relief Coordination Centre at Barisal Airport yesterday.

The Adviser also called upon the media to project the areas where affected peoples were yet to get relief goods.

Expressing his happiness about the ongoing relief and rehabilitation activities, Matin said overall situation was quickly improving and food, cloth, drinking water, medicine were sent and distributed among almost all the affected people. Roads were quickly being repaired, and helicopters and ships were being used to reach areas which are not reachable by other means of communication.

The Adviser had visited Rangabali, Partharghata, Char Hosnabad, and Chargara to supervise relief distributions.

GOC of 55 Division of the Bangladesh Army Major General Rafiqul Islam, who was also present at the briefing, said that measures are being taken for quick restoration of electricity supplies in the Sidr affected areas.

Meanwhile, cyclone-affected people in Andhar Manik, an isolated union of Mehendiganj upazila in Barisal district and on the bank of Andhar Manik river, received relief after two weeks although it was severely affected by the Sidr.

Abdur Rahman, chairman of Andhar Manik union parishad, said, "Since we the peoples of Andhar Manik (jewels of darkness) and live in Andhar (darkness), no government or non-government organisations reached us with any kind of help in the last two weeks.'

'Only 25 pieces of blankets, 10 tons rice under VGF and 9 tons under GR scheme reached to our area on Wednesday, two weeks after the destruction of Sidr and we will distribute it today (Thursday),' he said.

"None died in Andhar Manik, but many people were injured, and trees and plants were totally destroyed by the cyclone in this union."

Most of the Aman paddy and winter crops, 725 houses, 98 banana and 75 betel leaf plantations, 18 educational and religious institutions, were completely destroyed. Some 440 domestic animals were killed and total damages exceeded more than Tk 10 crore.

About 4000 peoples, who lived in destroyed houses, are still living under open sky as no help for construction of the destroyed houses yet been provided and road communications and power supplies are yet to be restored, he added.

Abdul Huq, district relief and rehabilitation officer of Barisal, said they have no data about the damages or destructions in Andhar Manik union as it is missing from the description of Mehendiganj upazila administration in the last two weeks. Because of that relief operations in that area could not be started.

Court Correspondent

Senior Special Judge of Dhaka yesterday fixed December 3 for charge hearing of the extortion case filed against former Prime Minister detained Sheikh Hasina and her cousin former Minister detained Sheikh Selim.

Awami League Chief Sheikh Hasina and other accused Sheikh Selim were not produced before the court yesterday. While Sheikh Rehana was allegedly involved in the extortion, which Sheikh Selim told the court in his confessional statement. She has been absconding since her involvement was established with the case. Next time process will be, held in the make-shift special court set up at the Parliament House of the capital.

It has been learnt as security arrangement was not enough the accused were not produced before the court of Md Azizul Haque, Judge of the Special Court and also Metropolitan Sessions Judge of Dhaka yesterday.

On June 13, this year Ajam J Chowdhury, a businessman filed the case against Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Selim with Gulshan Thana of the city for extorting Taka 2,99,65,500 in connection with allowing him to do renovation and repair work of Siddhirganj Power Station in Narayanganj.

Turning down defence plea for staying the

trial, Dhaka's Metropolitan Sessions Judge Wednesday set December 3 for extortion-charge hearing against detained ex-premier and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, her London-residing sister Rehana and detained cousin Selim.

Judge Azizul Huq passed the order after hearing both the defence and prosecution lawyers without the presence of the high-profile accused in the dock.

The court also ordered the prosecution to produce the accused persons on December 3 in a makeshift court set up on the parliament premises. Moving the petition, the counsel for Hasina sought either a long adjournment or stay on the trial until disposal of the rule pending with the High Court in connection with the case, for "proper dispensation of justice".

The High Court, on a writ petition, has granted bail to Hasina and issued rule upon the government to explain why placing the extortion case under the Emergency Power Rules 'should not be declared illegal', the counsel contended in support of the plea for postponement.

Prosecution lawyers crossed swords with the defence, arguing that since the Supreme Court removed all roadblocks to initiating the trial, the trial court has "no alternative but to continue trial without delay".

Meanwhile another court of Dhaka sentenced former MP elected from Fatikchhari of Chittagong Rafiqul Anwar alias Sona Rafique to 10 years rigorous imprisonment (RI) in an arms and for illegally possessing a pistol Matiur Rahman, Judge of Special Tribunal of Dhaka handed down the verdict in presence of the convict.

Meanwhile CMM Court of Dhaka yesterday fixed December 2 for remand hearing against BNP's senior joint secretary General detained Tarique Rahman and his younger brother Arafat Rahman Koko in two separate cases. In the case filed against Tarique with Kafrul Thana, IO sought a 7-day remand where in the case filed against Koko with Gulshan thana 10 similary sought a 7-day remand.

Again, as the further inquing report of the case filed against I 46 persons including AL Chief Sheikh Hasina in connection with the killing of Jamaate-Islami Bangladesh and Shibir activists on 28 October, last year, court refixed January 13, 2008 for submission of the report.

BSS, Dhaka

Adviser for Land, Law and Information Barrister Mainul Hosein yesterday emphasised the need for making proper use of land to meet growing needs of the large population of the country.

He said, proper and planned use of land across the country including the coastal belts is very much essential for the economic development, balancing eco-system and betterment of the lives of the people.

The adviser was speaking as the chief guest while inaugurating a workshop titled "Study of detailed coastal land zoning including two pilot districts of plain land project." Land secretary Md Mosleh Uddin chaired the workshop. Deputy Country Director of UNDP Larry Maramis was the special guest. Project Director Pius Costa and team leader Abdul Halim Mia also spoke.

Highlighting the importance and significance of the workshop the adviser said, the recommendations of the workshop would help ensure proper utilisation of land by classifying lands in the coastal areas through 'land zoning'.

Terming land of the country as the lifeblood of the economic development and country's growth, he said, we cannot misuse land in any way.

"Our experts are working and have already progressed a lot in identifying the problems and remedies for proper use of land of coastal areas in order to save costal belts from hazards," he added.

Most of the development projects of the country is land-based, he said adding that land zoning would help our development partners formulate and implement projects in proper way considering the prospects and problems of different areas.

The adviser said, the entire coastal area including the mangrove Sundarbans is very much important for the uplift of the country and the national life as well. Since the Sundarbans is the world heritage site, there should be assistance available for its development.

Referring to the massive damages in the coastal areas due to recent cyclone Sidr, he said, it could be realised how important the mangrove was for protecting the country from such calamities.

He urged donors to come forward to make the land zoning project successful.

A total of 107 government, non-government and donor agency representatives participated in the day-long workshop.

Team leader Abdul Halim Mia in his paper highlighted that 3200 hectares of land of the country is being reduced every year due to river erosion, while 220 hectares is lost daily due to other uses.

Besides, 10,000 to 12,000 hectares of forest land is degraded every year, 50 percent of coastal land face inundation and 70 percent of land in Barisal and Khulna divisions are affected by salinity.

On the other hand, the country has gained 51,000 of land in coastal belts since 1973 to 2000, an average 1,880 hectares of land every year, which provide new settlement opportunity.

Diverse coastal and marine resources, coastal fisheries, agriculture, shrimp, salt and crabs are also very prominent assets for the country. Besides, on-shore and off-shore oil and gas fields, wind and tidal energy are also much valuable assets of the country, he mentioned.

The key objective of land zoning is to assign land to its best uses for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism, livestock, wetland conservation and industries, he added.

He said, the findings of the study project would help prevent land degradation and restore the degraded lands, save the eco-system with high ecological values, resolve conflicts of interests between land users and line agencies, create awareness among the planners, users and policy makers and develop land zoning database and information system.

Staff Reporter

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury yesterday said the future shape of Bangladesh would depend on the quality of leadership not only in politics but also in other spheres, including the economy.

"The future will depend on how the new leadership would tread the path of politics keeping them transparent and clean," he said, adding, "Competent leadership, clean and transparent image is not only important for politics but also for socio-economic progress as both are linked in more than one way."

The ACC Chairman said the country incurs a loss to the tune of Tk 7,000 crore per year due to corruption.

Gen Mashhud said this while speaking at a luncheon meeting of AmCham at Hotel Sheraton on the topic "Role of the Anti-Corruption Commission in Shaping the Future of Bangladesh."

Amcham President Syed Ershad Ahmed welcomed the ACC Chairman, while its Vice President Trevor McDonald proposed the vote of thanks.

Gen Mashhud said the ACC would pursue disposal of high profile corruption cases and sought cooperation of the court.

He assured the business community of ACC efforts to bring down the cost of business and ensure better environment both for foreign and local firms.

"The Commission is working closely with different agencies to bring the cost of doing business down," Gen Mashhud added.

He informed the AmCham that represents American business interest in Bangladesh that the ACC efforts are directed to reduce the cost of business as part of its crusade against corruption in two fronts - prosecution and prevention of corruption.

He said ACC would relentlessly pursue the prosecution to their conclusion while launching very soon a year-long social campaign along with TIB and the people in general, young generation in particular, to create public awareness to prevent corruption.

"Corruption will be a fact of life rather than a way of life," the ACC Chairman said explaining the objectives of the ACC's war against corruption, the vice that bedeviled the nation.

He said, "The Commission's goal would be to make it possible," he said, "ACC sees itself as one of the many agencies to bring about the changes in national life against corruption."

Replying to a question, he said continuation of the ACC's drive against corruption during the regime of the new government after 2008 would depend on the people. "If you want, if people want the drive will continue," he asserted.

Indulging in corruption would be quite difficult by that time. It would not be possible to rollback, the ACC Chief observed.

He dismissed the criticism that the corrupt suspects hardly get opportunity to defend them. "We have doors with transparent glasses, without curtain …We will try to change our action in a manner that should be accountable to us, not only to you (the people). So, anyone accused of corruption can have their views," he added.

Replying to another question, Gen Mashhud said there were some 15,000 corruption cases pending with the Commission, some of which are under trial.

Referring to the oft-repeated views that low pay structure stimulates corruption, he said the root cause was not the low pay. It is the erosion of moral values, he added.

He quoted a study by TIB that found the major cause of corruption is not poor payment. People who get more than Tk 15,000 are mostly involved in corruption. "Pay is important, but it is not the solution," he asserted.

Staff Reporter

BNP Secretary General Khandkar Delwar Hossain yesterday reacted sharply against the Chief Election Commissioner's comment on his party constitution, saying determination of the constitution of political parties was beyond the jurisdiction of the Election Commission.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr ATM Shamsul Huda at a dialogue with the Workers Party on political and electoral reforms on Tuesday, said the political parties lacking democracy in their constitution would not get registration for taking part in the election.

The CEC also said many political parties, including the BNP, should have to amend their constitutions before registration in accordance with the Election Commission (EC) rules.

Rejecting the CEC 's views, Khandaker Delwar said, "It is beyond his jurisdiction to decide the constitution of a political party."

"The CEC has gone beyond his constitutional obligation by asking amendment to the constitution of the political parties for getting registration," Delwar told journalists his residence.

The CEC's comment has questioned the neutrality of the CEC and generated doubts among the public as to whether an impartial election is at all possible under him, he observed.

The BNP Secretary General said the CEC was holding the constitutional post as such he could not make such remarks on constitution of the political parties. The CEC has stepped beyond his right, he added.

He claimed that democracy was very much practiced in his party.

"Although the party constitution bestowed all powers in the Chairperson, she used to take decisions in consultation at the party forums, he said, posing question as to how BNP got the massive popularity if it did not practice democracy.

Delwar further claimed that his party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia had also agreed to amend the constitution for the sake of the party.

"But amendment to the party constitution could not be done keeping her in prison, he said, asserting, "No amendment will not be done under instigation of any quarter or accepted if it is imposed by anyone else."

He said, "The statement of the CEC manifested the secret design to keep BNP out of the election race."

Delwar claimed that Begum Khaleda Zia has millions of supporters across the country. "None should think of holding the election without the

participation of her party," he warned.

Referring to the post-cyclone situation the BNP leader welcomed the efforts of the US marines in relief operation. He said in the past also the US Army came to Bangladesh in aid of the victims of national calamities.

Staff Reporter

Dr Jean-Jacques Lauture, Counsellor and Head of Governance, Economic Cooperation and Education Section of the European Commission, said micro and small enterprises can help provide new employment, income opportunities and also alleviate poverty in the country.

Some 6,000 poor and disadvantaged workers would get benefit of the project for Sustainable Livelihood for Poor Producers (SLIPP) in Mymensingh and Netrokona districts, he said.

It will create business-enabling environment for marginal producers, micro and small enterprise, strengthen their capacity and develop grassroots producers associations, he added.

Employment and income opportunities of poor and disadvantaged communities will increase, which will ensure their sustainable livelihood, he remaeked.

Dr Lauture said this as chief guest at the inauguration of the workshop on 'Sustainable Livelihoods for Poor Producers in Mymensingh and Netrokona' jointly organised by Traidcraft Exchange and Development Wheel (DEW) at Spectra Convention Centre in the city yesterday.

Maveen Pereira, Programme Manager of the South Asian Region of Traidcraft Exchange UK, Shah Abdus Salam, Executive Director of DEW, MA Rafiq Sarkar, Project Coordinator, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Dr Lauture said, "The project will benefit some of the poorest communities of two districts, who have limited employment opportunities and productive assets. They mostly depend on seasonal, poorly paid and exploitative works. Even those who own productive assets do not get much benefit out it."

Marginal producers and micro and small enterprises face a variety of business problems including crop seasonality, lack of infrastructure, entrepreneurship, market information, appropriate technology and unavailability of quality business services. They also operate in exploitive market mechanism that deprives them from getting fair price of their products. As a result, they remain trapped in poverty, and become increasingly marginalised. But micro and small enterprises can play a vital role in providing new employment and income opportunities, which will alleviate poverty, speakers said.

The five-year project will conclude in March 2012. Local producer associations, who will help to negotiate, lobby, advocate and encourage a participatory approach in marketing and local NGOs who intent to provide business services and assist in developing producer associations will work in the project.

Staff Reporter

At least 15 persons, including four women and two Ansarmen, were injured during clashes between two groups of employees, supporters of two feuding brothers, over the control of a bulb factory in the city's Islampur under Kotwali thana. Police also resorted to baton charge and lobbed teargas shells to bring the situation under control. They also detained one of the employees.

Among those hospitalised with injuries were identified as Khaleda Khanam, Ranu Akhter, Khorsheda, Khuku Moni, Yunus, Saidul and Ansar members Moiez and Firoz. The arrested employee was identified as Julfiker Ali.

Police said the clashes ensued at about 3:00 pm when younger brother Haji Mohammad Iqbal Hossain went to takeover the control of Camey Bulb Factory located at 6/1, Ali Neki Dewri in Islampur. The factory was under the control of his elder brother Jalal Ahmed.

Witnesses said, as Haji Iqbal, along with at least 20 hired goons, entered the factory, the employees resisted them leading to clashes that left at least 15 persons injured.

Police charged batons and lobbed teargas shells to bring the situation under control, a policeman was also injured at that time.

Inspector Mizanur Rahman of Kotwali thana who was on the spot told The New Nation, "The clashes followed the feud of the two brothers over the control of the factory." The situation was under control, police said.

Kotwali police said no case was filed till the filing of the report at 9:00pm.

Meanwhile, police yesterday arrested a bullet-wounded young man with a pistol from the Ramna Park area. He was identified as Mohammad Russel, son of Haider Ali of Nilphamari district.

Police said they chased Russel hearing sound of gunshots near a small makeshift shop beside Shahbagh police control room at about 9:00 am.

As Russel tried to flee scaling the boundary wall of Shishu Park, two bullets automatically fired from his pistol kept inside his jacket and injured him, police said.

He fell down from the wall and police caught him with the pistol and 6 bullets. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Talking to reporters at DMCH, Russel claimed that he is a fish trader. Terrorists swooped on him and fled from the scene after shooting at him.

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh Capital Market needs to undergo reforms to meet international standards and establish guidelines for participants in the securities business, said the ADB Country Director Hua Du.

"Deficiency in financial disclosure, weak corporate governance and lack of investors confidence in fixed-income securities, are among the major constraints, deterring the growth of a vibrant capital market," she said while addressing the concluding session of the Citi-ADB workshop on Capital Market Development yesterday at a local hotel.

According to her, despite having vast growth potential, Bangladesh capital market remained beneath a small market capitalisation, contributed by a small group of companies.

"A sound capital market not only provides financial securities for the entrepreneurs but also helps to reduce risk and liquidity mismatch in the banking sector," she said while emphasising the importance of transparent capital market. Measures of significant reform could take the market to the height of international standard, added the Country Manager of ADB.

Supporting her reform proposals, Chairman of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Faruq Ahmad Siddiqui reiterated his optimism on the future of over Bangladesh capital market as well as the national economy.

"As more public sector companies, particularly those of the power and energy sector are listing themselves with the capital market, I see a bright future ahead," he said while addressing the closing session of the seminar as chief guest.

Besides, listing of some major telecommunication companies are expected soon, he informed. "If those larger sectors enter into the capital business, our market will reach to the top," he said.

The Chairman SEC also urged the government to offload more shares of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) through the capital market for private participation in their management.

"If the private investors are allowed to join the management of the SOEs, it will improve their efficiency and bring operational transparency," he said.

Meanwhile, he also has expressed his disappointment over the low private sector involvements in the capital market.

According to him, SEC is to take more initiatives to build confidence among the private companies. As their involvement would benefit them as well as the country's economy in addition, the Chairman SEC added.

He, however, has expected more private company's participation in the market. "SEC will provide every lawful support to them," he ended.

In terms of Market reforms, the ADB Country Director Hua Do have proposed some policies to be implemented on immediate basis.

"SEC should take immediate step to enhance market capitalisation, by enlisting more public and private companies," she suggested. However, present 10 billion local market capitalisation, which is 14 per cent of total GDP, is much lower than neighboring India (68 per cent) and Pakistan (41 per cent), she stated.

Index growth in Bangladesh Capital Market is mostly demand-driven, which is somehow risky, she also said. "Such growth must have to be backed up by quality shares with strong economic fundamentals," she added.

She also suggested raising foreign portfolio investments and debt market listing in terms of market reform.

Beside that, the ADB Country Director appreciated privatisation policy of Bangladesh Government, which is likely to involve larger public companies in capital business.

"Direct listing of power and petroleum companies to increase share supply in the market. This would help the privatisation process by freeing companies from government ownership," she added.

Managing Director of Citi Bank, Mamun Rashid and experts from the ADB addressed the seminar and presented their papers on the occasion.