The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Sunday said the government wants to accelerate its ongoing efforts to pave the way for empowering women in all spheres of society to establish the rights of women.

But the country still has a long way to go to reach the goal, he observed while addressing a function at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, organized by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs marking the Begum Rokeya Day.

Chaired by Women and Children Affairs Adviser Geeteara Safiya Chowdhury, the function was also addressed by Women and Children Affairs secretary Rokeya Sultana.

Advisers, academics, representatives of various women organizations and NGOs were present.

The head of the caretaker government distributed Begum Rokeya Padak 2007, a national award, at the function among the two women recipients for their outstanding contributions to women education and women development. Prof. Latifa Akand and Prof. Dr. Hosne Ara Begum received the national award this year, which carries a gold medal and certificate.

Prof. Latifa Akand, now 82 years old but still strong both physically and mentally, is chairman of the Board of Directors of Democracy Watch, Bangladesh and vice president of 'Nijera Kori', a voluntary organization.

Dr Hosne Ara Begum founded Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) in 1980 and since then his organisation is playing an important role in the empowerment of poor rural women through various women development programmes. Presently, the number of beneficiaries from TMSS is 20 lakh.

Speaking as chief guest at the function, the Chief Adviser urged the womenfolk to be inspired by Begum Rokeya's ideals and spread her thoughts to even the remotest areas of the country to pave the way for women empowerment.

He mentioned that on gender issue Begum Rokeya as a social reformer specifically stated that interests of men and women are no different as women and men are like two eyes of the society.

"This statement of Begum Rokeya did not harbour any anti-male attitude, rather laid importance on complementary relation between men and women, now reflected in the gender-mainstream idea of the international arena," he told the function.

Dr Fakhruddin said the call of Begum Rokeya for the women to become self-reliant did not go in vain. "Imbued with her spirit, ideal and appeal, the women of this country are marching ahead… Today, gender-friendly budget has become essential precondition also in development planning of Bangladesh."

He said participation of women is now increasing in all areas of the society including as public representatives and in military and civil administration, judiciary, and trade and commerce. The women have proved their worth in all challenging professions.

Recalling Begum Rokeya's struggle against repression on women in her times, he said unfortunately such situation still prevails in some places. Putting an end to this is now very urgent.

Mentioning various ongoing programmes taken by different Ministries in the light of Millennium Development Goals and National Strategy Paper for Poverty Reduction, the Chief Adviser said these would make the path of national socioeconomic development smooth and sustainable.

Later, the Chief Adviser and his wife, Neena Ahmed, witnessed a musical drama, based on the life of Begum Rokeya, which was presented by children.

UNB, Dhaka

As international scout centenary celebration got off to a formal start in Bangladesh, President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed Sunday called upon the scouts to earn leadership quality compatible with the ability to face challenges of the 21st century.

" The key obstacles on the way toward development and progress for the developing countries like Bangladesh are poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy and superstition. The Scouts have to play a vital role in eradicating those hindrances," he said addressing the inaugural ceremony of the International Centenary of Scouts dubbed COMODECA (Community Development Camp) being held in the sea-resort district Cox's Bazar. The inauguration took place at a ceremony at Bangabhaban.

Praising scouts' humanitarian work for cyclone survivors in southwestern Bangladesh, the President hoped that Bangladesh Scouts would be able to brighten the image of Bangladesh in the world arena through implementing the programmes taken up under the COMODECA successfully.

The President, also the chief Scout, said government would continue its cooperation in scouting movement in Bangladesh like in the past.

Scout movement, founded by Lord Baden Powell in 1907 to develop juvenile as ideal citizens side by side for the humanity, completed a hundred years yesterday (Sunday), he noted.

"On this glorious day, I pay profound homage to the immortal memories of him (Lord Baden Powell)," Dr Ahmed said.

The President hoped that the ongoing scout movement would be strengthened further across the world and it would help in developing new generations as worthy citizens side by side creating opportunities for them to contribute to serving humanity in national and international arenas.

Dr Ahmed thanked the Bangladesh scouts for setting up six work camps in five coastal districts under sundarban sub-camp to conduct relief and rehabilitation works for cyclone victims.

The President congratulated the scouts and the officials of

Asia-Pacific region of World Scouts and hoped that the COMDECA would be very fruitful by their active participation and cooperation.

" I believe the bonds of friendship and fraternity among yourselves would be more tightened through this COMDECA. I wish your bright and prosperous future," he said.

Chief National Commissioner of Bangladesh Scouts Md Fazlur Rahman, Secretary to the President's Office Sirajul Islam, Personal Secretary and Press Secretary to the President, and Director General of Bangladesh Television were present at Bangabhaban during the president's televised inaugural address.

AFP, Nusa Dua

Climate change campaigners called Sunday for greater effort in the fight against global warming, saying the world was waiting for a crunch UN conference in Bali to produce a breakthrough.

Prominent figures including Nobel-winning former US vice president Al Gore and UN chief Ban Ki-moon are due to arrive on the Indonesian resport island in the coming days as the climate change summit enters its crucial final week.

"The whole year has been pointing at the Bali process," said John Coequyt, a climate campaigner from Greenpeace.

"We have been here for a week now and there is not a lot of difference in discussion, tone and energy from previous summits. Things are going to have to change when ministers get here." Government delegates from about 190 nations are here for the 11-day summit under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Their goal is to lay the groundwork for a new international initiative that will help combat the threat posed by climate change after the current phase of the existing treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, expires in 2012.

Scientists earlier this year delivered their starkest warning yet-that without action, global warming could have an irreversible impact on the world, bringing hunger, floods, drought and the extinction of many plants and animal species in its wake.

"I will say (to ministers), the world is waiting-what is your political answer to what science is telling you?" said Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the UNFCCC.

He has warned that the number of issues for ministers to discuss when they start meeting on Wednesday could clog up talks, and said countries should focus on finalising a timetable for further negotiations up to 2009, when they need to begin ratifying any agreement.

A key question is how much rich countries-which leading experts say are historically responsible for most of the carbon emissions blamed for warming the planet-should commit to slashing their output.

Europe and developing countries led by China want industrialised nations to set a binding target to cut such emissions by between 25 to 40 percent by 2020 over their 1990 levels.

Canada and Japan are reported to be in favour of fixed targets for booming economies like India and China as well, although de Boer said such a prospect was "inconceivable." Delegates from impoverished nations want rich countries to increase funding and transfer technology that will help them adapt. "It's important that the bigger countries show leadership and show moral obligation on this issue to set the stage for other countries to then come forward," said Angus Friday, chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States.

Australia's new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will receive a warm welcome when he gets there Tuesday, after reversing his predecessor's policy and ratifying Kyoto in his first official act after being sworn in a week ago.

Still, he admitted there would be a lot of "horse-trading" to come.

"It means that you sit down with other governments and work out what's necessary for the planet, what's necessary for everyone to contribute, including Australia.

"Therefore, frankly, it would be irresponsible from that point of view to go out there and put a number on the table straight away," he said.

Most players are optimistic a broad consensus will be reached for the path ahead.

"I think the determination to get an agreement is still alive," said Angela Anderson, of the Washington-based National Environment Trust.

One delegate-who did not wish to be named-said an early draft of the Bali text contained figures on how much rich nations should cut emissions, but cautioned that United States and others could try to scratch them off.

Another issue set to feature prominently is protecting the world's forests, which act as a crucial storage mechanism for carbon dioxide..

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Sunday expressed the hope that the broad-based national commitment, as reflected through united efforts in providing assistance to the cyclone victims, will help to overcome the situation.

He said the outbreak of waterborne diseases, which was apprehended, did not occur in the cyclone affected south and southwestern region following the supply of safe drinking water.

Dr Fakhruddin made the remarks while receiving donations for the Chief Adviser's Relief and Welfare Fund from a number of organizations and institutions at the CA's office.

He informed that so far Tk 120 crore of the Fund has been sent to the affected areas, particularly as grants for rebuilding houses and other priorities.

The Chief Adviser said micro-financing institutions, NGOs and banks are providing loans to the cyclone-hit people of various professions to help them earn their livelihood and resume economic activities.

He said NGOs are not recovering the loan installments from the cyclone-affected people and announced to provide new loans.

As some kids came with donation with others, the Chief Adviser expressed happiness witnessing their compassion for the cyclone victims and hoped that from this sense of feelings the kids would be able to lead the country in the future.

Those who handed over cheques for donation today included ex-Secretary and Swanirbhar Bangladesh president SM Al-Hossaini, MCCI president, Latifur Rahman, chairperson of National Bank Ltd Parvin Huq Sikdar, president of managing committee of Comilla Modern High School AKM Sohel, president of Bangladesh Govt Secondary School Teachers Association Rehena Khatun, principal of Ideal School and College Shahan Ara Begum and two students of the school, principal of International Turkish Hope School Bayram Saatci and some of its students, principal of Little Scholars Tutorial and High School Monwara Bhuiyan and its two students, and vice-president of Pabna-Sirajganj District Welfare Association Md Abdul Wahab.

Staff Reporter

A six-day-long 2nd Dhaka International Mobile Phone Fair 2007 opens in the city today at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, organised by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Businessmen Association (BMMA).

With the slogan, 'Always Growing, Always Improving,' the fair will be participated by a number of mobile phone operators, set manufacturers, importers, connectivity providers, telecommunication training institutions, PSTN service provider and related publication companies.

"In 21 pavilions some 62 stalls from various telecommunication related companies would showcase their latest products and services. Visitors will enjoy discount on mobile sets, connectivity, extra services and on the spot technical mobile service solutions," said President BMMA Engineer M Nezamuddin Zeetu.

Adviser for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Information Barrister Mainul Hasein will formally inaugurate the fair on December 11, said President BMBA. He was addressing journalists at a press conference held at the Federation House yesterday in the city.

"Objective of the fair is to enhance mobile phone subscription as well as to develop service knowledge among the subscribers," he informed.

According to him, current mobile phone subscription number in Bangladesh is approximate three crore, with another three crore subscription potential.

This fair will help to build link between customers and service providers, he added.

"In this fair, we will try to inform visitors about the latest telecommunication technologies and its services available worldwide," he added.

Every day, the fair will remain open from 8:00am to 9:00pm and on Friday from 9:00am to 10:00pm. Tk20 will be charged for each visitor as gate pass.

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) is coordinating the fair as coorganiser. Mobile phone companies namely the Tele Talk, Samsung and Tele Link are co-sponsoring the event.

BSS, Dhaka

Speakers at a seminar here yesterday laid emphasis on inclusion of human rights education in the curriculum of schools with a view to ensuring human rights of all.

Since the international community declared International Human Rights Day when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights in 1948, the human rights have repeatedly been violating elsewhere across the globe, they added.

The seminar, organised jointly by National Association of UNESCO clubs in Bangladesh and Foundation for Peace and Conflict Studies on "Human Rights in Bangladesh" on the occasion of the Human Rights Day, held at the conference room of BANBEIS Bhaban here.

With secretary of Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO Dr Md. Mahmudul Hassan in the chair, the seminar was attended, by Chief Editor and Managing Director of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury as the chief guest.

Among others, Principal of Eden College Professor Yeasmin Ahmed, Prof. ANM Saleh of Rajshshi University, director of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Zinnat Barkatullah, secretary general of the UNESCO club Mahbubullah Chowdhury and director of RAJUK Tapan Kumar Nath spoke on the occasion. Chairman of Foundation for Peace and Conflict Studies presented a keynote paper on 'Human Rights and Peace Education: A New Vista for Development Action'.

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury, in his speech, said since we have to govern ourselves within the parameter of laws, the state must help ensure fundamental human rights of the people.

"Unless we are confirmed about our rights in the society, we could not claim as citizen of the country," Zaglul Chowdhury said adding "side by side with ensuring of human rights, people with disabilities must be brought under the process".

Yeasmin Ahmed said the women have been playing a very significant role in the country's economic and development process. Human rights could only be ensured by empowering the women through providing them with proper education, she added.

ANM Saleh laid emphasis on implementation of laws related to human rights for establishing human rights in the country.

Dr Mahmudul Hassan said unless the people are aware of their rights, all efforts to make the society free from corruption will go in vain.

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a seminar said yesterday the emancipation of the women was possible, if they follow Begum Rokeya as a role model imbued with her thoughts and philosophies.

They said the pioneer of women's emancipation-Begum Rokeya- is actually a cultural icon for both women and men of the country. She had worked for the women's education, as education was the key to women's liberation and empowerment, they added.

The witness and Social Science Forum jointly organised the seminar to mark the 127-birth anniversary of Begum Rokeya at the National Press Club in the city.

The seminar was chaired by Prof UAB Razia Aktar Banu of the Political Science Department of Dhaka University.

Mahmudur Rahman, former Energy Adviser and Executive Chairman of the Investment Board addressed as chief guest, while Zubieda Gulshan Ara,

former Director of Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Editor of the New Nation as special guests.

Mahmudur Rahman said education was only key to women's liberation and empowerment, this was why Rokeya emphasised on women's education and struggled through out her life for educating the women.

He also said we could make a strong cultural movement taking inspiration from Rokeya's ideologies. Her rational philosophy remains important even after many years of her death, he added.

Razia Aktar Banu said Rokeya was a chosen person of God, who had struggled for the reform of the society. She motivated the women to be aware about their rights and duties.

Zubieda Gulshan Ara said we could make a balanced society for both men and women by following the philosophy of Begum Rokeya.

Rokeya was not only a pioneer of women's emancipation, but also a social reformist, academic, social scientist and artiste.

Mostafa Kamal said Rokeya represented our traditions that we had had for a long time.

He said we have to protect and cherish our traditions, education and culture taking inspirations from noble persons like Rokeya.

Barrister Fatima Anwar said Begum Rokeya was a very strong feminist within Islam. She did not ignore the rules of Islam, as she said that man could not be civilized ignoring the religion.

Fatima Anwar also said the messages of Rokeya were being misinterpreted with ill motives by some quarters. The messages should be correctly interpreted as Rokeya intended.

Moreover, Journalist Mahbubul Haque, Sharmin Islam, PhD scholar under University of Science, Malaysia and Kaniz Fatima, Lecturer of Darul Ihsan University, among others, spoke.

Dr Syeda Sultana Razia delivered the welcome speech and Dr Mira Mamtaz Sabeka, lecturer of Sir Shalimullah Medical College presented the keynote paper.

UNB, Khulna

At least six forest bandits were killed in a gunfight between two rival gangs in Kalichar area under Khulna range of Sundarbnas on Saturday night.

Local sources said there had been a longstanding dispute between Motaleb group and Masud group over supremacy on the sprawling forest area.

The two groups, equipped with heavy lethal weapons, attacked each other at about 7pm, triggering a six-hour bloody clash, which left 6 bandits dead, including Motaleb, the chief of the Motaleb group. When contacted, Khulna range's assistant conservator of forests Rajib Chakma confirmed the jungle fight.

"We came to learn that two notorious bandit groups locked into a fierce clash into the deep forest, leaving dead 6/7 from both sides," Rajib told UNB.

He said that they set out for the spot, but it would take 6 to 7 hours to reach the backwoods haunts of the forest robbers.

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a discussion meeting on Sunday demanded of the government to raise an Army Corps exclusively for disaster management.

They also demanded of the international development partners to waive all foreign loans and compensate Bangladesh for all devastating natural disasters including Sidr.

Coalition for Local NGOs Bangladesh (CLNB) organised the meeting on 'Role of Large NGOs of Bangladesh, International NGOs and Multinational Lending Agencies' at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity.

Speakers blamed the developed countries including the US that those countries emit Carbon-di-Oxide most, which is one of the main causes of climate change, on the other hand the LDCs including Bangladesh expel only 001 per cent of the toxic gas.

They also blamed the donor agencies that they had promised to help the country in disaster situation but they did not meet their promises by imposing hard conditions.

The speakers also urged the local NGOs to waive all farm loans and micro credit loans and interest of all industrial loans in the Sidr hit areas.

They said blaming the local NGOs that in the name of help the NGOs were busy to realise instalments of micro credit loans, which made the life of the victims miserable after a devastating cyclone.

They urged the government to strengthen the Red Crescent Movement and train people in disaster management in educational institutions, mosques, temples and churches and raise funds to cope with the disasters.

The coalition would organise a Sidr conference on April 29 and 30, 2008 in Dhaka. Chairman of CLNB Harun-ur-Rashid presided over the meeting. Subal Sarkar presented keynote paper while Fayez Hossain, leader of Shadhinata Party, Rafiqul Islam Pathik garment workers leader spoke at the meeting.

Marathon on Himalayas

BBC Online: Ten minutes before the leader is due home in the world's toughest marathon, a small army of locals are chipping away with axes at the ice on the path metres from the finish. Once that potential hazard is removed, another more awkward obstacle presents itself. A herd of yaks is inching its way up the same narrow, uneven street in Namche Bazaar, the commercial capital of the Sherpa community in Nepal. The doughty creatures are unmoved by the kerfuffle surrounding them as they move slowly upwards with their supplies of rice, soybean oil and San Miguel beer.

Venezuela creates own time zone

BBC Online: Venezuela creates its own unique time zone on Sunday, putting the clock back half-an-hour on a permanent basis. President Hugo Chavez says that an earlier dawn means the performance of the country will improve, as more people will wake up in daylight. "I don't care if they call me crazy, the new time will go ahead," he said. But critics say the move is unnecessary and the president simply wants to be in a different time zone from his arch-rival, the United States.

Shuttle launch called off

Cape canaveral: NASA called off Sunday's planned launch of the space shuttle Atlantis after a gauge in a fuel tank failed for the second time in four days. NASA began fueling the shuttle at about 6 a.m., hoping that the gauges in its big external tank would work properly and allow launch controllers to proceed with an afternoon liftoff. Shuttle managers said they would halt the countdown and call everything off if any of the four hydrogen fuel gauges acted up. Three failed during Thursday's launch attempt; no one knows why.

BSS, Dhaka

A meeting of the Council of Advisers on Sunday approved National Human Rights Commission Ordinance-2007 with a view to protecting, institutionalising and improving human rights in the country.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed chaired the meeting held at his office here. Members of the Council of Advisers attended it.

After the meeting, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim told journalists that under the ordinance a three-member National Human Rights Commission will be constituted headed by a chairman.

The Commission will investigate any complaint raised before it regarding violation of human rights by any quarter and make necessary recommendations to solve the issue.

According to the Ordinance, the President will appoint a chairman and members of the Commission to be selected after scrutiny of a six-member committee. One of the members will be a sitting or a retired Judge of the Supreme Court.

The members of the commission will be appointed for three-years and not for more than two tenures.

The meeting also okayed a proposal for amending section 44 of the Income Tax Ordinance-1984 raising the limit of income tax rebate for investment from Taka 2.5 lakh to five lakh from the next tax year.

Premium of insurance, subscription for general provident fund and donation for charitable hospital will be included in this tax rebate to encourage investment in these fields.

Cabinet Secretary, press secretary and the secretaries concerned were present.