The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The Victory Day was celebrated yesterday in the divisional headquarters and districts in a befitting manner.

The day was heralded with a 21-gun salute on the premises of Collectorate Office in Khulna city. Thousands of people placed wreaths at the Shaheed Smriti Soudha at Gallgamari.

The national flag was hoisted atop public and private buildings after sunrise.

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Yunusur Rahman hoisted national flag at the Khulna Stadium.

In observance of the day, students of different educational institutions and BNCC, Scouts, Rovers, Girl Guides and members of Police, Ansar, VDP, Fire Service and Civil Defence organized rallies and march pasts and displayed physical exercises at the stadium.

Liberation War-based films were screened in various cinema halls in the city.

Improved diets were served in hospitals, jails, orphanages, children's centres and other organizations.

Special prayers were offered at mosques, temples, churches and pagodas and places of worship seeking peace and prosperity of the nation.

A reception was organized for Freedom Fighters at the deputy commissioner's office at 11 am.

Navy vessels were on display for people at the BIWTA Ferry Ghat from 2 pm to 4 pm. Book fair, drawing, recitation and music programmes were organized at the Shishu Academy at 1 pm.

A discussion meeting on the Victory Day was organized in the conference room of the DC office. Besides, various organizations arranged programmes to mark the day.

The Victory Day was celebrated in the port city as well as in the district with a renewed pledge to establish a corruption- free, enlightened and economically self-reliant Bangladesh being imbued with the spirit of independence.

Besides official programmes under the auspices of district administration, different political parties, including Awami League and BNP, socio-cultural organizations and professional bodies observed the day amid elaborate programmes.

The programmes included placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar, hoisting national flag atop public and private buildings in the morning, discussion meetings, bringing out processions, holding cultural functions, march pasts and reception to Freedom Fighters.

A 21-gun salute heralded the day, which was followed by playing of whistles simultaneously from rail, steamer and vessel engines.

At one minute past on Saturday night, Acting Mayor of Chittagong M Manjur Alam and Deputy Commissioner Ashraf Shamim on behalf of the Chittagong district administration placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar followed by thousands of people representing different political parties, socio-cultural organizations and individuals to pay their homage to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for liberating the motherland in 1971.

In Rajshahi, political parties, government and private offices, socio-cultural and volunteer organisations, trade bodies and educational institutions, including Rajshahi University, today celebrated the great Victory Day in a befitting manner amidst patriotic zeal and renewed pledges in the district.

The day's programme began with a 21-gun salute at local police lines and placing of wreaths at shaheed minars in the metropolis by people from all walks of life from one minute past midnight last night.

Mayor-in-charge of Rajshahi city Rejaunnabi Dudu and leaders of political parties and different organisations placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar at one minute past midnight last night. Then scores of people also placed wreaths.

Marking the day, national flags were hoisted atop all government and semi-government offices, and public and private buildings. City streets were decorated with national flags and festoons.

A colourful march past by law-enforcing agencies, school children and other voluntary organisations at the district stadium in the morning was the main attraction of the city's daylong Victory Day programmes.

Divisional Commissioner Shafiul Alam, RMP Commissioner Mahbub Mohsin and Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Khalilur Rahman hoisted the national flag and took salute on the occasion.

Valiant freedom fighters were given a grand reception on the premises of Shishu Academy in the afternoon. Sports competition, friendly football match and physical show were also organised at the district stadium.

Special prayers were offered at mosques and other places of worship seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the country.

Improved diets were served for inmates of Rajshahi Central Jail, hospitals, safe homes and other charitable institutions marking the day.

Documentary films were screened at cinemas on the occasion. Rajshahi University also celebrated the Victory Day through various programmes, including placing of wreaths, hoisting of national flags atop buildings, discussions and cultural functions.

In Gazipur, the district administration, Muktijoddha Sangsad and other organizations organized various programmes to mark the day.

The day was heralded with a 21-gun salute. Different organizations placed wreaths at the Shaheed Smriti Soudha. The national flag was hoisted atop public and private buildings in the town.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Mizanur Rahman and Police Super Md Alamgir Alam took salute of the march past at the stadium. A special reception was accorded to Freedom Fighters and families of the martyrs in the auditorium of the deputy commissioner office at noon.

In Jhenidah, the day was observed in a befitting manner. The day was heralded with a 21-gun salute. Different organizations placed wreaths at the Shaheed Muktijoddha Smriti Soudha. The national flag was hoisted atop public and private buildings in the town.

In observance of the day, students of different schools and colleges, BNCC, Scouts, Rovers, Girl Guides, police, Ansar-VDP, Fire Service and Civil Defence members organized rallies and march past, and displayed physical exercises at the Bir Shreshtha Hamidur Rahman Stadium.

In Narail, various programmes were organized to observe the day. The day was heralded with a 21-gun salute after sunrise. Different organizations placed wreaths at the Muktijoddha Smriti Soudha on the premises of Shilpakala Academy. The national flag was hoisted at government and non-government buildings in the town.

District Commissioner Abdul Kayum Sardar formally hoisted the national flag at the Bir Shreshtha Noor Mohammad Stadium and took salute. Police Super Mahfuzul Islam was also present. A reception was accorded to Freedom Fighters.

In Habiganj, different organizations and academic institutions organized various programmes to mark the day.

The day was heralded with a 21-gun salute on the Collectorate Office premises after sunrise. Different organizations placed wreaths at the monument and the national flag was hoisted at all government and non-government buildings in the town.

A march past was organized at the Habiganj Shah Jalal Stadium. Besides, a discussion meeting and a reception to Freedom Fighters were organized.

In Narayanganj, people of all walks of life here celebrated the Victory Day in a befitting manner.

The day's programmes included a 21-gun salute, hoisting national flag atop public and private buildings, juvenile rally, children's painting competition, reception to family members of the martyrs and disabled freedom fighters at the Narayanganj club and serving improved diets in hospital, orphanage and jail.

Special prayers were offered at mosques, temples and other places of worship seeking peace and prosperity of the country.

A discussion meeting and a friendly football match were also organised.

The most important programme of the day was a rally at the Osmani Stadium at 8.30 am.

Deputy Commissioner Faizul Kabir and Police Super Shibgat Ullah took salute of the march past of Police, Ansar, Fire Service, VDP, Scouts, Rovers, Girl Guides, BNCC, Freedom Fighters, students of different schools and madrasas and orphanage.

UNB, Dhaka

Two factions of BNP - led by secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain (loyal to Khaleda Zia) and acting secretary general Major (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed (reformist group) - placed wreaths at the National Mausoleum and at late President Zia' mazar marking the Victory Day.

They paid tributes to the millions of martyrs of the liberation war and late President Ziaur Rahman and prayed for peace and salvation of the departed souls.

Delwar-led BNP will hold a discussion meeting marking the Victory Day at the Engineers Institute on Monday.

Talking to reporters, party joint secretary general Nazrul Islam Khan said BNP would materialize the dream of the martyrs by restoring peace and democracy in the country.

He said the war criminals must be tried and the government would have to take the initiative for holding the trial.

Khan said the main responsibility of the caretaker government is to hold a free and fair election and hand over power to the elected government.

Major (retd) Hafiz said the dream of the freedom fighters has not yet been realised. Time has come for BNP and other political parties to take a renewed vow to materialize the dream of freedom fighters. He said: "There are anti-liberation elements in all political parties… there can be alliance with many parties in political expediency, but BNP will never deviate from the spirit of the liberation war."

He added: "We've made alliance with political parties, but we never entered into any alliance with parties opposed to the liberation war."

Hafiz said: "I want trial of the war criminals and this has to be arranged by the government."

He said that in the absence of a political government, a quarter is creating indiscipline in the name of holding trial of the war criminals.

The BNP leader said that while in power, Awami League also forgot the issue of holding trial of the war criminals.

Speaker Zamiruddin Sircar placed wreaths at the National Mausoleum in Savar and Zia's mazar at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Leaders of Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Sramik Dal, Swechhasebak Dal, Mohila Dal and BMA and DAB also placed wreaths at Zia's mazar.

Staff Reporter

Members of Suffolk's (England) Bangladeshi community yesterday launched a major appeal to help their countrymen hit by last month's devastating cyclone to rebuild their lives, London based The Evening Star reported yesterday.

The community throughout the Ipswich and Felixstowe area is joining together to raise as much money as they can from a series of special events over the next few months.

They have launched ABC-Appeal for Bangladesh Cyclone-and have been joined in their campaign by Ipswich Borough Council, Ipswich Town Football Club, Suffolk County Council and The Evening Star.

Mahbub Alam Shamim, Chairman of Ipswich Mosque, said, "What the people in Bangladesh have been going through has been dreadful and we want to do as much as we can to help.

"Over the next two or three months we will be holding special events and a number of the restaurants in the area have already said they will help us with special nights and we are looking at other ideas, too.

"We hope everyone will come together, too, for a night of live music and food at the Town Hall."

A collection will also be held at Ipswich Town's game on December 22.

County Councillor Jeremy Pembroke said he had been made aware of Bangladeshi community's bid to help the victims of the cyclone at a recent Race and Faith forum at Endeavour House.

"When Cyclone Sidr hit Bangladesh, families were quite literally torn apart. Waves swept children from the arms of their parents," he said.

"The Suffolk Bangladeshi community has my support and I would encourage all people in Suffolk to get behind this cause."

Cyclone Sidr slammed into the south east coast of Bangladesh, killing 3,100 people and leaving about one million homeless.

It lashed the coastline with winds of more than 140mph, creating storm surges which reached more than 15 feet. Heavy rains caused widespread flooding which destroyed thousands of homes, and left many districts without power.

Much of Bangladesh is low lying and the country is no stranger to tropical cyclones.

If you are planning fundraising events to help the appeal, contact the Star newsdesk now on 01473 324788.

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam on Saturday said what has been happening in Bangladesh since 1/11 that would never take the country towards any wayout.

"We're passing days in an abnormal situation, so it's not possible to say everything. What has been happening in Bangladesh since 1/11 won' t take the country to any wayout," he told a discussion organised by AL marking the Victory Day at the Engineers' Institute.

He expressed doubt about the good intention and future planning of those who compare AL with BNP, and said definitely there would be a call from leaders to face these issues in January next.

"I'm doubtful about good intention and future planning of those who compare us with BNP. In January next, we'll have to face these matters. Leaders are there. Definitely there'll be calls (for that)," he said.

Presided over by acting AL president Zillur Rahman, the discussion was addressed, among others, by party presidium members Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Abdur Razzak, Tofael Ahmed, Surunjit Sengupta and Matia Chowdhury, former Air Force chief Air Vice Marshal (retd) AR Khandaker, poet Rafiq Azad, AL organising secretaries Akhteruzzaman and Abdur Rahman, acting Dhaka City AL president MA Aziz and general secretary Kamrul Islam.

Pointing to the party leaders, Dhaka City AL acting president MA Aziz said, "We're waiting for your call. If you call us we'll take to the streets to have the leader (Sheikh Hasina) released."

Speaking on the occasion, party acting president Zillur Rahman said he was not supposed to preside the day's discussion as it was to be done by Sheikh Hasina.

He said Hasina is leading an isolated and unbearable life in prison. "Even, permission was not given to meet her on the Victory Day," he regretted.

Zillur hoped that AL president Hasina would be among the party leaders and workers very soon.

About the trial of war criminals, he urged the caretaker government to at least begin the trial process and said, "There'll be trial of the war criminals. Begin the trial process and those who'll come next will complete the trial."

The AL acting president assured of holding the trial of the war criminals if his party returns to power. "Trial must be held if we drive unitedly."

All other leaders, who took part in the discussion, demanded trial of the war criminals saying that the whole nation is now united on this issue.

They also criticised the government for inviting 'war criminals' to the Bangabhaban to attend the Victory Day reception.

Some leaders also expressed dissatisfaction for not allowing AL to hold a rally from Suhrawardy Uddyan to Dhanmondi.

Sajeda Chowdhury said the procession was not allowed because they fear people.

Abdur Razzak said if the government does not hold the trial of the war criminals they would be accountable to history.

He said if proper justice is ensured they would be able to free their detained leader Sheikh Hasina.

Tofael Ahmed said there is no power in the world that could destroy AL. "There must be the trial of the war criminals on Bangladesh's soil."

Surunjit Sengupta said AL extended support to the caretaker government hoping it would be good for the country and now time has come to calculate what has happened in the last one year.

He also referred to the national grid failure thrice, including Saturday's one and criticised the government the way it handled the demolition of Rangs Bhaban.

Pointing to BNP's disarray, Surunjit said AL has proved that it is not a party of capturing power, but a party of ideology.

Demanding trial of the war criminals, he said reform and consolidation of independence are needed for good governance. "It can' t be that you'll try us and allow the war criminals to go unpunished," he said.

Matia Chowdhury criticised the government for not allowing the day's rally, price hike of essentials and fertilizer crisis.

Air Vice Marshal (retd) AR Khandaker said that the people, especially freedom fighters, are united on the trial of war criminals and there would no end to the movement until the trial is held. "Trial will be held in Bangladesh and they will have to be punished. There could be no deviation from that."

BBC Online

The US has said the climate change negotiating process it agreed to in Bali must ensure developing states take their fair share of emission cuts.

The deal did not meet this principle fully, the White House said - climate change could not be curbed by emission cuts from developed countries alone.

Environmentalists have criticised the lack of firm reduction targets in the plan which the US initially rejected.

It launches talks to reach emissions cuts to replace the Kyoto Protocol.

There is nothing in the White House statement that contradicts the Bali roadmap, the BBC News website's Richard Black notes.

It is more a question of the White House spelling out what its concerns are, and what it will be looking for as the negotiations from Bali proceed, our environment correspondent says.

The White House regards the Bali agreement as a "critical first step" towards creating an effective new set of climate goals, its press secretary said.

The text of the roadmap refers to "common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities" and calls for "nationally appropriate mitigation actions by developing country Parties".

However, the US said it felt the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities had "not yet fully been given effect".

"The problem of climate change cannot be adequately addressed through commitments for emissions cuts by developed countries alone," the statement said.

"Major developing economies must likewise act."

Developing states, the US also argued, had to be differentiated according to the size of their economies and energy use.

Any new climate goals had to "take into account the legitimate right of the major developing economies and indeed all countries to grow their economies, develop on a sustainable basis, and have access to secure energy sources".

Agreement was reached in Bali after marathon talks which spilled over by a day and were at times emotional.

It came only after an EU demand for industrialised nations to make emission cuts of 25-40% by 2020 was dropped from the draft text, and the EU and China agreed to soften language on commitments from developing countries.

A bloc containing the US, Canada and Japan had opposed the specific targets suggested by the EU.The final text states that "deep cuts in global emissions will be required to achieve the ultimate objective" of avoiding dangerous climate change.

Despite the consensus achieved, environmental groups and some delegates criticised the documents as being weak and a missed opportunity.

Washington's delegation accepted it only after it was booed by other delegates for rejecting it.

"The US has been humbled by the overwhelming message by developing countries that they are ready to be engaged with the problem, and it's been humiliated by the world community," said Bill Hare of Greenpeace.

"I've never seen such a flip-flop in an environmental treaty context ever."

Hillary gets a boost

DES MOINES : Democrat Hillary Clinton's off-balance White House campaign got a major boost Saturday, as she grabbed the coveted backing of the top newspaper in leadoff nominating state Iowa. The Des Moines Register of Iowa also endorsed Senator John McCain in the Republican field, arguing that both its picks were the most competent and ready to lead of all the 2008 presidential hopefuls.

Dodi's 2nd fiancee

BBC Online: Model Kelly Fisher, a former girlfriend of Dodi Al Fayed, told the inquest she met him in the summer of 1996. She said she had "no doubt" a ring she was given by Al Fayed in February 1997 was because they were engaged to be married. Fisher said Al Fayed told her Diana had accepted an invitation for a holiday with the Al Fayed family in Saint-Tropez from 11 to 20 July, 1997. Fisher said she was under the impression she was going to Saint-Tropez with him but he lied about having to go to London instead.

'Mafia boss' held

BBC Online: A mafia boss, considered one of Italy's 30 most dangerous fugitives, has been arrested in Naples, police have said. Edoardo Contini, aged 52, was detained in a suburb of the southern city on Friday night. Investigators believe he is one of the most powerful bosses of the Neapolitan Mafia, the Camorra. Italy has seen a number of high-profile arrests since last month's seizure of the Sicilian Mafia chief, Salvatore Lo Piccolo, know as "the boss of bosses". "Edoardo Contini was perhaps the most dangerous boss in Naples," Italian Interior Minister Giuliano Amato said in a statement.

Amato said police had been on Mr Contini's trail for more than a year.

Francesco Forgione, president of the Italian parliament's anti-Mafia commission, described Mr Contini's cartel as "one of the most dangerous and violent".

Contini had been on the run since 2000, and is reported to have spent some of his years in hiding in northern Europe.