The New Nation - Internet Edition

Chief Justice Md. Ruhul Amin (centre) unveiled the
cover of 'The Bangladesh Supreme Court Digest' at a ceremony
at the Judges' lounge on Wednesday. NN photo

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Justice M Ruhul Amin Wednesday formally unveiled the cover of a book titled "The Bangladesh Supreme Court Digest" containing important decisions of the apex court.

After a lapse of long 16 years, the Supreme Court took the initiative to publish its yearly digest, the function was told.

Among others, Judges of the Appellate Division, Supreme Court Bar Association president Barrister M Amir-Ul Islam and secretary AM Amin Uddin were present at the function held at the judges' lounge.

Lawyers believe the Digest will be useful for right reference to the decisions of the Appellate Division for the judges, including the subordinate courts, practicing lawyers, academics and legal researchers.

Later, replying to a question about his evaluation of the functioning of the judiciary after achieving freedom from the executive fetters two months ago, Chief Justice Amin said he would not like to say anything on this so early.

About a separate secretariat for the apex court following the judiciary separation, the Chief Justice said, the matter is under consideration while work on this is going on.

Ishwardi remained under a blanket of fog on
Wednesday as temperature continues to dip in the northern
region. Banglar Chokh

BSS, Dhaka

The northern and central parts of the country are likely to experience one to two moderate and severe cold waves this month, a long-range forecast for January by the met office said on Wednesday.

The forecast was issued after a meeting of a committee of experts held at the met office.

Chairman of the expert committee and director of the met office Samarendra Karmaker told BSS after the meeting that the cold waves might sweep the country before the middle of the month to run till the end of it.

The areas are likely to be affected are Rajshahi and Sylhet divisions, and Jessore, Kushtia, Mymensingh, Tangail and Comilla regions where temperatures may range from six degrees Celsius to eight degrees Celsius (moderate cold wave) and four degrees Celsius to six degrees Celsius (severe cold wave), the forecast said.

At the same time the country may have less than normal rainfall. The rainfall during December was scanty, some traces of rains at one or two places. Otherwise, the weather remained mainly dry, the forecast noted in its review of the last month's weather.

During the second half of December the country's northern and central regions experienced a mild cold wave, it added.

Three pedestrians were injured by stray bullets of a
gunshot near Special Branch and CID office at Shantinagar
following shootout between two groups of miscreants
yesterday. Banglar Chokh

UNB, Dhaka

Three people were wounded by bullet as gangsters shot a mineral water supplier and then made a desperate exit firing from a car through the busy Siddeswari area of the capital on Wednesday.

Witnesses and police said ¾ armed hoodlums drove into the spot in a white private car and sprayed bullets on mineral water supplier Belal Hossain, 30, while he was reading newspaper on a street at Shantinagar Post Office Gali at about 3:00 pm.

Bullets hit him in his right leg and left hand in the daylight attack reportedly by extortionists having failed to realize toll.

"Hearing Belal's screams, pedestrians chased the private car. But the terrorists fled the scene driving off the getaway car through Siddeshari road," says a spot account of the shootout. They opened random fire to create safe passage that left Abul Kashem, a rickshaw-puller, and Rashidul Islam, 31, a Security guard, injured.

BSS, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday said, Bangladesh is now seen by the world community as a responsible state.

Addressing a press briefing at the State Guest House Padma here, he said," in the backdrop of the political changeover on 11 January 2007 and since the assumption of office by the present Government, we tried to implement different aspects of our foreign policy along with other policies. The broad aim of our foreign policy has been to have Bangladesh perceived as a responsible member of the international community."

Foreign secretary Touhid Hossain and Director General (EP) Nazmul Quaunine were also present.

Dr Iftekhar said, this has involved in winning the support by international actors in reform efforts of the government. "We believe with our pro-active foreign policy we have succeeded in broadly meeting their aspirations. We have tried to build up a national consensus around our goals, objectives and endeavours."

The foreign adviser hoped that future governments would get some directions from it because in foreign policy continuity is key and all including different political parties are stakeholders. In this context, he mentioned that a daylong seminar in the Foreign Ministry with retired Ambassadors and think tanks was held.

Highlighting some points related to the efforts pursued by the government both in bilateral and multilateral level Dr. Iftekhar mentioned 10 points which are:

Stabilising Bangladesh's relations with the neighbouring countries including its larger neighbour and partner, he said adding, with whom we want to live in friendship and concord, but clearly as a distinct entity.

On the sidelines of the 14th SAARC Summit, Dr Iftekhar mentioned that the Chief Adviser had a fruitful meeting with the Indian Prime Minister. Both the leaders agreed to re-activate and strengthen the existing institutional frameworks to resolve all bilateral issues, he said.

He said, he had four meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister when they discussed all the long- pending issues. Fruitful discussions were held at the Foreign, Home and Water Resources Secretaries' level, he said adding, "We tried to make India understand that, because of economic and geographic position, India has a special responsibility in the development of this entire region. The establishment of railway communication between the countries is in its final stage following the understanding reached."

The foreign adviser said, India has started to handover Bangladesh the criminals who took refuge in India.

Because of the efforts of our Government and the cooperation we received from the Indian Government, we could bring back home, after long 36 years of our independence, the remains of Shahid Hamidur Rahman-one of our gallant fighters who received our highest gallantry award - Bir Shrestha, he recalled.

Besides, he said, government was successful in bringing back home BRAC employee Nurul Islam who was abducted in Afghanistan. He said, we are liaisoning with our mission to the UN regarding the disappearing at the sea of a Bangladeshi peace keeper, Captain Rajibul Kabir.

The foreign adviser said, following repeated floods and Cyclone Sidr, Bangladesh received prompt responses from the Indian Government. Specially, the lifting of ban on export of 5 lakh MT of rice from India to Bangladesh will immensely help us, he said.

The foreign adviser also recalled his interaction with his counterparts from Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other SAARC countries during bilateral visits and at different international fora.

He said, "They also share my philosophy of simultaneous development of all the countries of the region."

Dr Iftekhar said, during his visit to Myanmar he had fruitful discussions in matters related to transport, energy and economic development. He hoped new dimension will be added to bilateral relations between the two countries in future.

The foreign adviser recalled with satisfaction as many of Dhaka's proposals were accepted during the Delhi SAARC Summit. The SAARC Car rally, SAARC Youth Camp have already been successfully completed, he said adding significant progress towards the establishment of SADF, SAARC Food Bank, South Asia University have been made.

Dr Iftekhar said, the First BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on Poverty Alleviation' will be held in the city from 10 January. The Summit of the organisation is going to be held in New Delhi next year, he said adding, he met the Chinese Foreign Minister recently describing the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China as excellent.

The foreign adviser said, Bangladesh participated actively in different multilateral fora throughout the last year.

Bangladesh participated, for the first time after having the status of full participant, to ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). During the ministerial meeting held in Manila, he said Bangladesh signed a defence treaty titled 'Treaty on Amity and Cooperation (TAC)'. He said, "Our next goal is to become a dialogue partner of ASEAN."

Last year, he said, a number of delegates from the European Union visited Bangladesh to see the reform efforts of the present government. They extended their support to all our efforts, Dr Iftekhar said.

He mentioned that he had represented Bangladesh during the CHOGM in Uganda highlighting the issues like 'climate change' there. During the 34th ICFM that was held in Islamabad, he called upon all to combat the so-called 'Islamophobia'-an attempt to link Islam with terrorism, which was praised by the leaders present there.

He also recalled a bilateral meeting with South Korea on the sidelines of the 6th ACD Ministerial-level meeting.

The foreign adviser said, Bangladesh always gives priority to its relations with the United States because of economic and political reasons. He said," The way they came to our help immediately after the Cyclone Sidr' - is a reflection of our excellent bilateral relations. Under the foreign aid component, a total of US$ 120 million was sought in the budget proposal of the US for the year 2008."

This marks an increase of 41% increase in bilateral aid. The anti- corruption drive of the present Government and the efforts made towards ensuring good governance will play a role in increasing US aid to Bangladesh in future, he said.

Recalling his visit to the Russian Federation last September he said, he had several meetings with the Acting Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and other leaders of Moscow. During the meetings, discussions covered about enhancing bilateral trade relations, investment and cooperation in energy sector (specially in the field of nuclear energy).

The visit at Ministerial level was a milestone since it took place after a long time, he said.

Describing the relations between Bangladesh and the UK as important for historical reasons, Dr Iftekhar said, he met the British Foreign Minister during his visit to the UK last year. Some Ministers including the International Development Minister visited Bangladesh in 2007, he said.

The British Government has been expressing its full confidence on the caretaker government, since its assumption of office in January last year, he said adding ,"They are also helping us in the voter list registration process."

Referring to Bangladesh's relations with China, he said, progress was made in Bangladesh's bilateral relations with China. Bangladesh's export to China rose to US$ 93 million, marking an increase of 69% over last year's figure, he said.

In this context, the foreign adviser said, an agreement was reached with China to construct a permanent trade centre in Dhaka.

Last year, the foreign adviser said, Japan declared to provide Bangladesh with a loan of US$ 291 million in power, railway and water resources sectors.

He said, he has been invited to visit Japan in late February this year.

Recalling his visit to Norway and Sweden in November last Year, he said, he had fruitful meetings with the Foreign and Development Cooperation Ministers of the two friendly countries.

Dr Iftekhar said, the government has been working hard for ensuring duty-free, quota-free access of Bangladesh products to the developed countries especially to the US and the European countries.

He told the newsmen that he had written to 435 US Congressmen to approve the Bill titled 'New Partnership for Development Act of 2007' that has been raised in the US Congress for the duty- free market access of garments and textile products of LDCs to the US market.

Dr Iftekhar said, the government has strengthened its efforts to send more of its labours to the countries of the Middle East, Korea, Malaysia and Japan. He said," We are giving priorities to the signing of MOUs with different countries, especially those in the Middle East to safeguard the interests of our workers there."

Last year a new window of opportunity was opened to export our manpower to Malaysia and Korea, he said. We are trying to explore new destinations like Poland and some Scandinavian countries for Bangladeshi workers, he said.

He mentioned that Oman has lifted its ban on recruitment of Bangladeshi workers that was imposed 12 years ago. The Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Qatar will visit Bangladesh in this month. Dr Iftekhar said, like previous years, the government was careful in attracting foreign investment this year as well.

However, he said, due to two rounds of flood and cyclone Sidr, it was not possible this year to achieve the goal in this area.

The foreign adviser informed newsmen that Bangladesh would participate for the first time in the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. He said, the Chief Adviser would explain the investment atmosphere in Bangladesh to the participating businessmen, international investors and the representatives of different countries and would urge them to invest in Bangladesh.

Dr Iftekhar said, Bangladesh was elected the Chair of LDC Coordinating Bureau in New York in September last. Since then, he said, we have remained active to project the demands of all developing countries including Bangladesh in all multilateral forums including the World Trade Organisation.

Last year, Bangladesh has strongly appealed in all international forums to ensure the unhindered movement of labour under the Mode IV of GATS, he said.

The foreign adviser said, Bangladesh has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and has aligned herself with the international community in all their efforts to eradicate terrorism.

Bangladesh, he said, has become a state- party to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism last year, he said adding with the signing of it, Bangladesh has become state-party to all the thirteen international conventions relating to eradication of terrorism.

Bangladesh has also acceded to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in February 2007, he said adding Dhaka has also ratified the latest Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in November last year.

Dr Iftekhar said, Bangladesh remained careful in realising its constitutional commitment with regard to protection and promotion of human rights for all the citizens. Our commitment has been reflected in our decision to set up the National Human Rights Commission, he said adding although a State of Emergency is in place in the country, the current Caretaker Government has put emphasis more than ever before to promote and protect human rights and has remained vigilant on human rights abuses.

Bangladesh has been actively participating in the activities of the reconstituted United Nations Human Rights Council, he said. Bangladesh participated at the High Level UN Meeting on Climate Change held at Bali in Indonesia and took the lead in projecting the interests of the least developed countries.

He said so far, more than 62 thousand Bangladeshis have participated in different peacekeeping activities of the UN. He said, though the number and manpower of peacekeeping mission of the UN have been reduced, the position of Bangladesh remains prominent.

Bangladesh, the adviser said, will participate in the UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur adding Bangladesh is playing an important role as an active member of the Peace building Commission.

Dr Iftekhar said, Bangladesh is well ahead of other developing countries in implementing creative models of economic development. He said, Bangladesh is a model for other developing countries as regards micro-credit, women empowerment, health and education.

The foreign adviser said, approximately an amount of US$ 650 million of relief assistance including pledges have been received from different countries and international organisations for relief and rehabilitation activities following floods and cyclone. Besides, approximately an amount of 36 crore taka have been received from expatriate Bangladeshis and other individuals, he said.

Responding to some questions the foreign adviser said, in ready made garments Bangladesh scored a huge success. He told a questioner that at least for next three months Bangladeshis would continue to go to Malaysia.

Replying to a question on introduction of Bangladesh-India trains service, he said, the line ministry could give the just answer to the question.

Answering another query on cancellation of despatch of artefacts to France for exhibition, he said, such decision would not affect diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He told another reporter that Bangladeshis themselves will be in the driving seat.

Staff Reporter

BRAC Bank Ltd launched Probashi Banking Service (PBS) for the Non Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs).

The special service is a business deal, which will provide total banking solution to the NRBs in addition to the regular remittance services.

The PBS introduced a wide range of deposit and investment products for the NRBs and their beneficiaries in Bangladesh.

This was disclosed at a press conference at the launching of 'Probashi Banking Service' at a city hotel yesterday.

Imran Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, Naushad Hossain, Head of PBS, Abedur Rahman Sikder, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs of the bank, among others, were present on the occasion.

Naushad Hossain said, "BRAC Bank has 1,200 remittance delivery points across the country and also has remittance arrangements with various remittance houses worldwide."

In the PBS, deposit products like Probashi interest new account, super saver scheme, education saver, Probashi Shubidha DPs and FD and investment products like Probashi wage earner's development bond, US dollar premium bond and US dollar investment bond are included for the NRBs, he said.

At present, BRAC Bank is considered as the market leader in terms of Western Union payouts. The PBS will help the NRBs to invest their hard earned money in their homeland and contribute to the country's economy as well, he added.

BRAC Bank has introduced a highly secure, innovative and quality remittance service based on advanced technology. Through this service any one can send money to his or her relatives from abroad even to the remotest area of the country within maximum of 72 hours.

UNB, Rajshahi

A court here on Wednesday framed charge against Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu and his partner and former president of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce Lutfar Rahman in an extortion case.

Judge of Additional Sessions Judge Court-2 Lutfa Begum framed the charge and fixed January 7 for receiving deposition of the case.

The Mayor and his partner were produced before the court at about 11am and were sent to the Rajshahi Central Jail after framing the charges at about 12pm.

Businessman Nurun Nabi of Durgapur upazila filed two cases with Boalia Model Thana in the city against Minu, Lutfar Rahman and his two brothers, Bazlur Rahman and Fazlur Rahman, on August 6, 2007.

It was mentioned in the charge sheet that Lutfar Rahman and his two brothers, as per instruction of Minu, drove Nurun Nabi out from the Jamuna Seed Storage on October 19, 2004 and forcibly took his signatures on some documents and blank papers at gunpoint. Nurun Nabi was 40 percent shareholder of the storage.

Investigation officer and SI of Boalia Model Thana Saiful Islam submitted the charge sheet against them on September 27, 2007.

Mayor Minu, who was arrested by RAB from Dhaka on July 30, is already serving 13 years rigorous imprisonment in an extortion case. He was handed over to Boalia Thana on July 31.

Staff Reporter

A record number of waterfowl species has converged in haors and coastal areas of the country this year.

Some 1,33,702 water-birds of 66 species have arrived at 23 sites of four Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs) of the country this year, while last winter a total number of 51,528 waterfowls of 41 species were counted, according to a survey that was disclosed yesterday at a press conference at the National Press Club.

The survey shows experts found 41 species of waterbirds in Hakaluki Haor this year, while 45 species in the three coastal ECAs namely, Cox's Bazar-Teknaf coast, St Martin's Island and Sonadia Island on the Bay of Bengal.

The survey was conducted recently under the project of Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management at Cox's Bazar and Hakaluki (CWBMP) taken up by the Department of Environment. Thirteen members of the Bird Club conducted the survey led by eminent bird-watcher of the country Enam Al Haque.

AHM Rezaul Kabir, Secretary of Environment and Forest Ministry, Dr Khandokar Rashedul Haque, Director General of Environment Department, eminent environmentalist Dr Ayenun Nishat and Abdus Samad, Director of the project were present at the press conference, while Enam Al Haque revealed the results of the survey.

Secretary of Environment and Forest Ministry said, "We should now declare more areas as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) to keep the biodiversity of the environment and to face climate change."

AHM Rezaul Kabir said, "We should not declare the whole of Cox's Bazar-Teknaf coast as a tourist area."

Director of Environment Department demanded building of an Eco-Tourism System centring waterbirds.

The survey shows that there was a significant difference in the composition of species at Hakaluki Haor and three coastal ECAs. 22 species spotted in Hakaluki did not exist in the coastal ECAs and 25 species found in the coastal ECAs did not exist at the Haors. Only 19 species of waterfowls are found both in Hakaluki and the coastal ECAs.

Hakaluki Haor was the ECA with the largest population of 1,26,851 birds. Ducks are the most common waterfowls of the ECA with Northern Pintail-whose population was 80,214 as the most numerous bird and Gadwall as the second most numerous bird (16,169). A species of globally threatened waterfowl namely Baer's Pochard and another species of near-threatened waterbird namely Ferruginous Pochard were spotted in Hakaluki Haor this year.

The population of waterfowls at Hakaluki Hoar found by the survey was very much larger than that of previous years. Last winter a total number of 51,528 waterfowls were counted in the four ECAs of the country. Between the two winter surveys the populations of Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Garganey, Ferruginous Pochard and Common Coot increased a good deal, whereas the population of the Lesser Whistling Duck and Fulvour Whistling Duck reduced significantly.

The speakers asked the authorities to take proper steps to create awareness among all to maintain biodiversity in the coastal and wetland of the country.

They said another mid-winter waterfowl census should be conducted and at least two beels of Hakaluki Haor should be designated as Important Bird Areas (IBAs).

They also said a monthly waterfowl census should be conducted at the important bird areas.

UNB, Dhaka

Some 301 lawyers yesterday expressed concern over the health condition of Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina who is undergoing trial in extortion case and fell sick in the dock on Monday.

In a statement, the lawyers demanded immediate release of Hasina and withdrawal of all the 'false' cases against her.

They called upon the government to take necessary steps for her proper treatment.

The signatories to the statement include Shafiq Ahmed, Sahara Khatun, Yusuf Hossain Humayun, AFM Mejbahuddin, Samsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Momtazuddin Ahmed, Samsul Huda Manik, Abdul Mannan Khan, MK Rahman, AM Aminuddin, Enayetur Rahim, Nurul Islam Sujan, Mahbub Ali, Bashir Ahmed and Momtazuddin Ahmed Mehedi.

BSS, Dhaka

Acquiring of lands is continuing to start construction of the proposed Padma Bridge in the 2008-09 fiscal year.

This was informed at the 90th board meeting of Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Authority, held at the Setu Bhaban in the city yesterday with Communications adviser Maj. Gen (retd) M A Matin in the chair, an official handout said.

The meeting discussed the progress of programmes undertaken for construction of the Padma Bridge. Planning Commission has approved the technical assistance project proposal on the bridge's design, it said.

According to the handout, the Padma bridge will be constructed at a cost of Taka about 10,000 crore and the government has got assurance of Taka 6,880 crore as project assistance for it.

The meeting resolved that the responsibility for repairing the cracks in the Jamuna bridge would be determined by the Law ministry keeping in view which organization would be responsible for it as per the agreement during its construction period.

Communications Secretary Dr Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman, ERD Secretary M Aminul Islam, Planning Commission Member SMA Nasir Uddin, Land Secretary M Mosleh Uddin, Energy and Mineral Resources Secretary M Mohsin and also secretaries and senior officials of relevant ministries were present at the meeting.

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladeshi-origin Michigan State Senator Hansen Clarke said American investors would not like to be interested in investing in Bangladesh until a stable democracy and elected government with honest and efficient people are in state affairs.

"It needs stable democracy and a government with honest and efficient people to be elected through free and fair election… This would be the first step to attract investors from the USA or Michigan," he told some select journalists at Hotel Sheraton here this Wednesday evening.

Clarke, who is here in connection with the Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRB) conference, had talks with the Chief Advisor, officials of the caretaker government and leaders of the business community.

"From the talks I draw a conclusion that the governments in the past have not helped development, rather hindered the growth of development," he said.

Clarke, whose ancestors are from Bianibazar of Sylhet, said because of the past experience Bangladesh needs free and fair elections to elect the politicians who would not serve themselves but the people of the country.

He said the Non-Resident Bangladeshis can play a great role in encouraging the qualified candidates to contest the elections scheduled to be held before the end of December.

In reply to a question, Clarke, elected to Michigan State Senate

twice in 2002 and 2006, said if law of this country allowed, some NRBs might be interested in serving their home country with their expertise.

He said a lot of expatriate Bangladeshis would be interested to come back to their homeland and make their contribution to developing the nation if the situation improves.

Asked about investment, Clarke said he would go back to Michigan and talk to chamber leaders in the US State to make investment in Bangladesh. But he hastened to add that a businessman decides to invest in a country when he gets assured that his money is going to get good returns.

About the trade bill pending with the Congress seeking to provide trade facilities for Bangladeshi export products, he said they would try to mobilize support to get the bill through both the Houses of the US parliament-Congress and Senate.

The Senator had meetings with the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Dhaka Stock Exchange authorities. He said Michigan investors may be interested in investing in energy, agriculture, banking and financial sectors.

Clarke is also members of Cornel University Council and Michigan Law Revision Commission.]

His father Mozaffar Ali Hashem migrated to the USA in 1930s and died when Clarke was only eight years old in Detroit.

Asked about legalizing undocumented Bangladeshis in the United States and in Michigan State, Clarke said this is a problem and he personally discussing with the US authorities the migration issues.

There are about 25,000 Bangladeshi Americans living in Michigan.

Ehsan Taqbeem, president of Bangladesh-American Public Affairs Committee (BAPAC), said one of the problems Bangladesh facing is the image crisis and they would be working to improve that.

Staff Reporter

The 91st birth anniversary of novelist and teacher Shawkat Osman was celebrated yesterday with a call to practise the ideologies of the great man and inspire the youngsters by including his writings in textbooks.

Speakers at a discussion meeting on the 91st birth anniversary of the great academic of the country said Shawkat Osman was a person, who always stood against all kind of repression.

Shawkat Osman Smriti Parishad organised the discussion meting presided over by his son Prof Bulbon Osman.

National Prof Kabir Chowdhury in his speech as the chief guest said youngsters should be encouraged by commemorating Shawkat Osman and his writings.

Calling the government steps to secure the release of the detained teachers as playing cat and mouse game Prof Kabir Chowdhury said Shawkat Osman would not have stayed quiet seeing the fate of the university teachers.

Prof Bulbon Osman said Prof Shawkat Osman loved Muslims and Islam and it was evident from his writings.

Editor of the Daily Shamokal Abed Khan, Professor of the Fine Arts Institute of Dhaka University Matlub Ali, Prof Syed Manjurul Islam and son of Shawkat Osman Yafes Osman, among others, spoke at the meeting.

Speakers urged the Bangla Academy to publish a commemorative book on Shawkat Osman so that the youngsters could know him and practice his ideologies.

Abed Khan said, "We commemorate the great persons but we do not follow their ideals."

Malaysian minister quits over scandal

BBC ONLINE: Malaysian Health Minister Chua Soi Lek has announced his resignation after admitting being filmed in a sex video. The widely circulated recording showed the married father of three having sex with a female friend in a hotel room. On Tuesday, amid mounting speculation, he shocked the nation by admitting to being the man featured in the DVD. This is the latest in a series of problems for PM Abdullah Badawi, who is expected to call an election in the coming weeks. According to Malaysia's Star newspaper, the DVDs are believed to be CCTV recordings made in a hotel suite. The hotel and the date are reportedly unknown. Copies were reportedly left at various locations in Chua's home state of Johor, on Saturday "for people to pick up".

Venezuela introduces new currency

CARACAS: Venezuela launched a new currency with the new year, lopping off three zeros from denominations in a bid to simplify finances and boost confidence in a money that has been losing value due to high inflation. President Hugo Chavez's government says the new currency - dubbed the "strong bolivar" - will make daily transactions easier and cure some accounting headaches. Officials also say it is part of a broader effort to contain rising prices and strengthen the economy. "We're ending a historical cycle of t instability in prices," Finance Minister Rodrigo Cabezas said Monday, adding that the change aims to "recover a bolivar that has significant buying capacity." Prices have risen as Chavez has pumped increased amounts of the country's oil income into social programs, reinforcing his support among the poor and helping to drive 8.4 percent economic growth in 2007.