The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

BRAC official Noor Islam, abducted from his office in Lugar province in Afghanistan, was released unhurt late Friday night, nearly three months after his kidnapping.

Director of Public Affairs and Communications of BRAC M Anwarul Islam

told journalists yesterday that Noor Islam was now undergoing medical checkup at a Government establishment in Lugar (Afghanistan).

Afghan security officials secured his release after frantic efforts for the last few months. Noor Islam is likely to be handed over to BRAC authorities in Kabul today after the completion of his medical checkup.

Anwar said arrangements are being made for Noor Islam's return to Bangladesh and meeting his family in Jessore.

Noor Islam is one of more than 200 Bangladeshi staff engaged in micro-financing operations, women empowerment, education and health activities in war-ravaged Afghanistan since 2002.

BRAC founder Chairperson Fazle Hasan Abed thanked both the Governments of Bangladesh and Afghanistan for extending help in securing the release of Noor Islam.

Anti-Corruption Day today

BSS, Dhaka

Bangladesh will observe the International Anti-Corruption Day today with a renewed pledge to fight the menace more effectively.

The Anti-Corruption Commission will launch a year-long campaign against corruption today, marking the day. In collaboration with the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), the ACC will organise an anti-graft social movement in the country.

The ACC and the TIB will launch an anti-graft campaign with the slogan "Rise People, Rise Against Corruption", which will continue till Dec 9 next year. The United Nations declared Dec 9 as the Anti-Corruption Day to strengthen the anti-graft movement across the world.

Marking the day, the TIB has undertaken a five-day programme, including an anti-graft cartoon exhibition at Dhanmondi Drik Gallery from Friday.

ACC Chairman Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury formally inaugurated the exhibition where 57 selected cartoons are on display.

Besides, the TIB will hold a seminar in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission at the Bangladesh-China Conference Centre at 3 pm today.

A four-day inter-university anti-graft debate competition will also begin tomorrow. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr SMA Faiz will inaugurate the debate in the TSC auditorium while the ACC chairman will be present as the chief guest.

The ACC, the TIB and Dhaka University Debating Society will jointly organise the anti-graft debate competition which will conclude on Dec 12.

Other programmes of the Anti-Corruption Day include rally, human chain, discussion meetings, and cultural functions in the capital and other cities of the country.