The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent

Four teachers of the Rajshahi University (RU) were sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment yesterday for violating Emergency Powers Rules on the campus following student unrest in the Dhaka University.

Judge of the Speedy Trial Tribunal Ruhul Amin handed down the verdict in the crowded courtroom.

The convicted teachers are Chairman of Management Department Associate Professor Prof Moloy Kumar Bhowmik, Assistant Professors of Mass Communication Department Dulal Chandra Biswas, Selim Raza Newton and Abdullah Al Mamun.

The Court also fined each of the convicts Tk 1,000, in default, to suffer imprisonment for one more month.

Two teachers of the University-former Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University Prof Dr Saidur Rahman Khan, who is a member of the Awami League Advisory Council, and Applied Physics and Electronics Department Professor and Convenor of Progressive Teachers' Forum Dr Abdus Sobhan were acquitted from the charges.

According to the prosecution, the convicted teachers were involved in bringing out procession violating the emergency powers rules (EPR) on the Rajshahi University campus on August 21 and August 22 following the violence on the Dhaka University campus on August 20.

They were also charged with violence and arson.

Later, the Officer-in-Charge of Motihar thana, Khandaker Ferdous Ahmed, filed the case against the six teachers on August 26 on charge of violating the emergency powers rules.

Police arrested Prof Saidur Rahman Khan, Prof Dr Abdus Sobhan, and Prof Moloy Kumar Bhowmik on August 24 while three other Assistant Professors of Mass Communication Department Dulal Chandra Biswas, Selim Raza Newton and Abdullah Al Mamun surrendered on September 5.

After the investigation, police submitted charge sheets against the six teachers on September 2.

After examining records and witnesses, the Court found them guilty and handed down the verdict, acquitting the two teachers as the allegation brought against them could not be proved.

Some RU teachers paraded a silent procession in the campus on August 21 protesting the police attack on Dhaka University students. Students called strike on the following day.

On the strike day, a rickshaw puller was killed, around 200 including police and journalists were injured vehicles were torched, and properties including the Vice Chancellor's residence was damaged during day-long clashes between police and thousands of students in and around RU campus.

The students' demonstrations had begun in protest at police attack on Dhaka University students on August 20 and demanding withdrawal of the state of emergency and removal of police from the campus.

Staff Reporter

The United Nations said the humanitarian crisis caused by Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh was much worse than previously thought, with more than two million people in need of immediate life-saving assistance.

"As more information becomes available, an even grimmer reality is being revealed," the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement released in Dhaka yesterday. Nearly three weeks after cyclone Sidr battered the country's southwestern coastal districts, the UN said 2.6 million people were still in dire need of life-saving assistance.

The warning came as the country's caretaker government said it needed one billion dollars to rebuild devastated coastal communities and protect itself from what it said are 'increased disasters due to climate change.'

"The humanitarian situation in Bangladesh in the wake of last month's devastating Cyclone Sidr is much worse than previously understood," the statement said.

"About 2.6 million Bangladeshis across nine districts needed emergency assistance, and the total number of people affected by the cyclone was around 8.5 million, 1.5 million more than initially thought," it said.

The confirmed death toll has increased slightly to 3,268, the number of people considered missing is 872 and the number of injured has been revised upward by 5,000 to nearly 40,000.

The UN statement said damage to property is also more severe than first reported. Nearly 5,64,000 homes have been completely destroyed, 2,00,000 more than initially estimated. Another 8,85,280 houses have been damaged.

Staff Reporter

The 44th anniversary of death of great leader Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy will be observed in the country in a befitting manner today (Wednesday).

Marking the day, the nation will pay rich tributes to the late leader who struggled through out his life for the cause of democracy.

Different political parties and socio-cultural organisations have taken up programmes to mark the day.

The programmes include placing of wreaths at the mazar of the late leader in the city paying homage to the late leader, discussion meetings and seminars, Quran khwani, doa and milad mahfil and distribution of food among the destitutes.

Shaheed Suhrawardy, who was the champion of democracy in the country, dedicated his life for ensuring well-being of the people.

To mark the day, Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels will air special programme while newspapers have published special articles.

President Iajuddin Ahmed in a message paid deep respect to the great leader saying he fought throughout his life for democracy and guided the people in the movements against undemocratic rule and autocracy.

He said Suhrawardy was bright star in the history of Bangladesh's democracy. He was struggling and determined figure in the history of establishing democracy in the country.

The president said Suhrawardy gave leadership of the democracy loving people against the autocracy and he had deep sympathy for general masses. He said establishment of democracy was the life long target of Suhrawardy that is why he became the embodiment of democracy.

In a similar statement Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said that Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy would remain ever memorial in the political history of this sub-continent.

While paying tributes to the great leader Fakhruddin said the great leader left invaluable contributions in establishing democracy and good governance in the country.

A former leader of anti British movement Suhrawardy was chief minister of undivided Bengal and Prime minister of Pakistan.

The Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels will air special programmes on the life and activities of Suhrawardy today. National dailies will publish special articles on the great leader.

Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA) will hold a memorial meeting to mark the death anniversary of the great leader. Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein is expected to attend the function as the chief guest while Chairman of BILIA, Dr Kamal Hossain will chair the occasion.

Bangladesh Awami League will observe the day through different programmes. The leaders of the party will place wreaths at the grave of the great leader. Different other organisations have arranged programmes to observe the day.

"Suhrawardy Smriti Rakha Committee and Dhakhin Bangla Juba Kalyan Samity" have also chalked out different programmes on the occasion.

The day's programmes will start with offering Fateha and placing wreaths at the mazar of Suhrawardy in the morning. Other programmes include seminar and discussion on the life and political career of the great leader.

BNP Secretary General Khandoker Delwar Hossain yesterday in a message said Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy was a role model for every politician as he always worked for the sustainable democracy.

Praktan Chhatra League Parishad organised a discussion meeting at temporary office of the organisation at Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue at 3:30 PM.

Suhrawardy Smrity Rakkha Committee organised discussion meeting and would lay wreaths at the Mazar of the leader at 10:00 AM.

Dakkhin Bangla Jubo Shangathan will also organise special prayer and discussion meeting at the Mazar area of the leader at 3:30 pm.

Jatiya Ganotantrik Party will also lay wreaths at the Mazar of the great leader and will say special prayers in the morning. Later Shafiul Alam Pradhan, President of JAGPA, will preside over a discussion meeting at the central office of the party at Asad Gate.

Staff Reporter

Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed yesterday requested all NGOs and banks to suspend loan repayments in the cyclone-hit areas for the next four months considering the distress of the affected people.

"I hope that they (NGOs and banks) will take steps to waive four months' loan installments in the cyclone-affected areas t if it could be possible, don't force the affected people to repay the loan by that time," he said while receiving cheques and relief goods for the cyclone victims from different individuals and organizations at the Army Headquarters mess in the city.

"To create pressure on people for loan installments at this shattering moment is very awful," General Moeen said, adding "the job of the NGOs is to helping poor people, not torturing them."

The Army Chief received cheques of about Tk 2.25 crore and other relief items for Bangladesh Army Relief Fund.

The organisations and individuals, who donated to the fund, are

Premier Bank and Bank Asia Tk 50 lakh, Col (retd) Jalaluddin, on behalf of USA expatriate Shawkat Hossain, US$ 50,000, Salauddin Ahmed of Bangladesh Foundation, Florida US$ 6,500, Purbani Group Tk 10 lakh, Al Amin Group Tk 20 lakh, Paradise Group, Hamdard Laboratories and Dhaka Customs Agent Association and Aid Group Tk 5 lakh each, Al-Iraqi Association Tk 7 lakh, Dhaka Bank Tk Tk 5.10 lakh, Maj Gen Jibon Kanai Das on behalf of Bangladesh Ordinance Factory Tk 3 lakh, Maj Gen Ashab Uddin on behalf of Savar Golf Club, Merchant Association Madhabdi Tk 3.15 lakh, Sylhet Division Development Parisad and Healthcare Pharmaceutical Company Ltd Tk 2 lakh each, Rawa Ladies Club, Well-talk International, RS Shipping and Trading Company Ltd and Bangladesh Book Publishers' and Seller Association Tk 1 lakh each.

Brig Gen Nizam on behalf of Shahid Bir Uttam Lt Anwar Girls' College also handed over 500 cartons foodstuff, Confidence Salt 3mts salt, Rotary Club of Dhaka Purbasha cheque of Tk 1 lakh and foodstuffs and cloths, My One Television Tk 50,000, Khandakar Faizul Morsalin and Khandakar Faizur Rahman Tk 50,000, Institute if Diploma Engineers' 2,000 pcs sweaters, Ananda Niketan English Medium School, Sylhet cheque of Tk 1.38 lakh and 44 cartons foodstuffs, Sylhet Foundation cheque of Tk 1 lakh, and six power tillers, Sylhet Chamber of Commerce six power tillers, foodstuffs and cloths and Madhabdi SP Institution cheque of Tk 25,000.

Staff Reporter

Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein yesterday said teachers could be politically conscious but they should not get involved in the party politics.

"The incident of university teachers being convicted is not a pleasant matter," he said adding," importance should be given to the fact that the university teachers should remain as teachers, so that none of us fall in such an embarrassing situation."

Replying to another question, he said there might be difference of opinion and since there is the scope for appeal, it should not be wise to comment that the judges have not given a proper judgment.

On another query about special consideration of the government on teachers in such a situation, the adviser said there is still the scope for that.

"There are still scopes to be lenient with the teachers, who have been convicted," he said adding, "if the convicted teachers appeal for leniency, then there is a legal avenue for the government to consider that."

Replying to another question on trial of the accused teachers of Dhaka University, Barrister Mainul Hosein said trial is being conducted as per the law. "Rule of law is necessary for democracy," he added.

"It may seem unpleasant, but it is true that we have to face unpleasant situation if we want to establish rule of law in Bangladesh," he said.

The adviser felt it urgent to ensure that none, whatever special position one might stay in, should think that they are above the law. As a result, he observed, there would be a long term benefit and everyone will think that none is above the law.

He said the university teachers teach in the highest seats of learning and if they are involved in political grouping, then the respect the students show to them gets divided because the teachers belong to different political parties.

"The relations between teachers and students should be like the relations between father and children," he said adding, "the ideology of party politics should not be imposed upon such a holy relations."

DU Correspondent

Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof SMA Faiz hoped that the detained teachers of the University would be set free after his meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed and the Army Chief Gen Moeen U Ahmed yesterday.

He said this while briefing journalists at his office. The VC said Chief Adviser (CA) and Army Chief were very sincere about the release of the detained teachers and students as they are trying to find out the way to free them through legal process.

The VC said that he was taking initiative to release those students who were involved in the campus violence not for those who agitated outside the campus. "I have some limitations," he added.

Sources said four DU teachers and eight students are now languishing in prison.

Some students built a human chain in front of Aparajeo Bangla of the University demanding freeing of the detained teachers and students and they sent a memorandum to the Chancellor and President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed through the VC.

He requested the CA to help mitigate the accommodation problem of the students by building a dormitory after Moulana Bhashani.

Prof Faiz said he would communicate with the government within a few days to know about the developments in this regard.

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday suggested that the NGOs be lenient in recovering instalment of old loans from the cyclone survivors and communicate their decisions to this effect clearly to all concerned at the field level to avoid any misunderstanding.

Dr Fakhruddin said this at a meeting with representatives of different non-government organizations (NGOs) working in the cyclone-hit areas at his office here.

LGRD Adviser M Anwarul Iqbal and Agriculture Adviser Dr CS Karim were present.

Representatives from Grameen Bank and BRAC, ASA, PKSF, CODEC, World Vision, RRF, TMSS, Padakkhep, Shapla Phul, Hilful Fuzul, Uddipan and Sankalpa attended the meeting.

The meeting was informed that Grameen Bank had clearly announced that it would not recover any instalment of loans from the borrowers of the cyclone-hit areas till June 30, 2008.

The Chief Adviser hoped that other NGOs working in the coastal belt would also take such decisions in their own way considering the ground realities and engage themselves in the massive rehabilitation programme.

Grameen Bank has also declared the recoverable old loans as interest free. Besides, it has decided to exempt loans with interest of the borrowers who lost their lives during cyclone. The Bank will also return the savings of the deceased.

It said it will provide Taka 327 crore in loans for the cyclone Sidr victims for earning livelihood and Taka 65 crore interest-free loans for rebuilding their houses.

ASA said it would distribute Taka 5.9 crore interest-free loans. It has exempted loans of those killed in the cyclone and the survivors who lost their all assets.

It waived 50 percent loan of the disabled and the persons who lost three-fourths of their assets.

PKSF has withheld realization of instalments of its loans in the cyclone-stricken areas. It will disburse new loans among the affected people and return savings of the members as per requirement.

PKSF will give loans to the cyclone victims at a nominal service charge and formed a fund of Taka 50 crore for giving interest-free loans for house rebuilding.

The NGO representatives told the meeting that they are conducting relief and rehabilitation programmes in the cyclone- ravaged areas in a good coordination with the local administration.

Dr Fakhruddin directed the NGOs working in the cyclone-hit areas in the southern region to carry out relief and rehabilitation operation in coordination with the government programme to avoid duplication and overlapping.

Such coordination will give maximum benefit to the affected people, he added.

Pointing to three targets of the government rehabilitation programme in cyclone devastated areas, the Chief Adviser said immediate relief, immediate rehabilitation and long-term rehabilitation programme should be accomplished successfully.

The NGOs should supplement their rehabilitation activities with the government programmes to restore normal life rapidly in the coastal belt, he added.

Dr Fakhruddin informed the NGO representatives of the government's rehabilitation programme and his Monday's meeting with the development partners.

Secretary of the Chief Adviser's Office Kazi M Aminul Islam, Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim, LGRD Secretary, Agriculture Secretary, Education Secretary, Primary and Mass Education Secretary, Health Secretary and DG of NGO Bureau were present.

Staff Reporter

The Following the withdrawal of restriction on merchant banks, brokerage houses and portfolio managers from providing margin loans and credit facilities for clients the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) bounced back yesterday showing recovery of stock prices to some extent after a five-day bearish trend.

SEC on Monday withdrew restriction on loans and credit facilities amid demonstration by the small investors in front of the DSE building as the prices of stocks continued to fall for the fifth consecutive days.

Stock brokers said the investors took position on profit expectation from the comparatively lower price level of the bearish market, stimulating the market to bounce back.

The DSE General Index (DGEN), the benchmark index, increased 31 points or over one per cent to close at 2,905 points Tuesday from Monday's 2,873 points while the All Share Price Index rose 27 points or over one per cent to close at 2,456 points from Monday's 2,429 points.

The prices of stocks witnessed across-the-board gains. Of the total 218 issues traded during the day, 168 gained, 39 declined and 11 issues remained unchanged.

Total turnover stood at Tk 160 crore yesterday as compared to Tk 187 crore on Monday.

Staff Reporter

The French Embassy to Dhaka will ensure safe and secure return of all 187 Bangladeshi artifacts by April 2008 in their original conditions.

On behalf of the French Ambassador, first councilor of French Embassy in Dhaka Jean Romnicianu said, it was just a matter of misunderstanding among various concerns and misinterpretation of available information about exchange of international exhibitions like the upcoming Guimet Exhibition in Paris.

"Controversy builds up because of misinterpretation and delayed response from both the sides," he said during a press briefing held yesterday at the French Embassy.

Delay to clarify our points was a mistake from our side but was done unintentionally, he said. "Actually we didn't realise this apparently easy and routine process for us would generate such controversy," he added.

According to Jean Romnicianu, exhibitions like this one is very common to French authority and such exchange is considered as a routine work. When a proper documentation and agreement was signed at administrative levels in between the countries, we assumed it's done. But in this case, it was not so easy, mainly because of some nontransparent procedures in Bangladesh as well as primary data misinterpretation by some local intellectuals.

However, he clarified all controversies and possible errors, raised in media for the last couple of days.

About lack of transparency in documentation that raised objections from local intellectuals, he said those are solved. "It was the primary list with documents full of data error and missing facts. But we have modified that and made it available at all concerned departments with other information," he explained.

Regarding safe transportation and packaging, he said, the company has reputation to transport artifacts like the Monalisa. "Beside that, world wide standard packaging and transportation strategies are being implemented," he said.

Moreover, one shipment carrying half of the artifacts has left on Saturday and the second shift is expected to be on board by next Saturday. A direct Dhaka-Paris Air French Cargo is carrying out this job, he added.

"In case of any missing or damaged artifacts, which is most unlikely to happen, every object has been insured. And possibility of replica return, as feared, is again least possible is out of question for an international exhibition like this," he added.

Beside that, two expert caretakers have traveled to Paris along the artifacts to ensure their safe returns, he also added.