The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

With the increase in supply and launching anti-hoarding drives, rice prices have started to coming down in the city's wholesale markets.

Wholesalers of rice said the rice prices would go back to its previous positions if the supplies remain normal. They urged the government to maintain strict vigilance on the country's largest rice markets in the northern districts.

According to the wholesalers, rice is coming from northern districts of the country. But the number of customers has gone down.

They said being scared of growing prices, many people got involved in panic buying of rice last week. It led to the price hike of rice, creating apprehension of deficit. But, a totally different picture prevailed in the city's wholesale rice markets yesterday. Rice prices declined as supplies were increased.

Swarna rice imported from India was selling at Tk 31.89 to Tk 32.15 per kg in thw city's wholesale markets yesterday, while Parijat at Tk 31.15 to Tk 32.15 per kg, Miniket at Tk 38.85 to Tk 40.19 per kg, Gooti at Tk 30.54 to Tk 32.15 per kg, Paijam at Tk 37.51 per kg, and Najirshail at Tk 32.15 to Tk 37.51 per kg.

Besides, the supplies of rice imported from India have also increased. As a result, rice prices have declined by Tk 40 to Tk 50 per maund in the wholesale markets of Badamtoli and Babubazar.

The wholesale traders also indicated that rice prices were likely to go back to previous positions during this week.

They also called upon the government to strengthen vigilance on the millers across the country to bring stability to the rice markets.

The wholesalers also held rumour responsible for the unusual price hike of rice in the markets. In this regard, they urged the government to check the recurrence of such incidents in future.

Though the prices of rice in the wholesale markets have declined, its impact is yet to fall on retailers' levels. The prices of rice are yet to go down in the retail markets. But the prices in retail level remain static. Visiting Nayabazar, it was found yesterday that the rice was selling at higher prices as it were three days ago. Miniket rice was selling at Tk 45 per kg while coarse rice at Tk 35 per kg in retail markets yesterday.

Wholesalers at Babubazar told The New Nation yesterday that the supplies of rice increased in the last two days.

Though the stocks of rice were nearly exhausted three days ago in Babubazar, the supplies of some 600 sacks (51 tonnes) of rice were received during the last two days. The supplies included eight metric tones of Indian rice.

The wholesalers expected that the supplies of rice would increase further within the next few days.

However, expressing apprehension, the wholesalers said they would have to pay US$ 500 (Tk 35,000) to import one metric tonne of rice from India. It means one kilogram of rice would cost Tk 38 to Tk 40. "It will be very difficult to sell rice in the local markets importing at such higher prices," a wholesaler said.

Staff Reporter

Finance and Planning Adviser A B Mirza Azizul Islam yesterday identified the higher profiteering tendency of businessmen as a major cause behind the recent unprecedented price hike of rice.

Speaking to reporters after the launch of the Citizen's Charter at the National Board of Revenue, he said there are several reasons for the price hike of rice this year adding, "Natural initial effort of businessmen is to maximise profit. Perhaps they went through that path."

The Adviser, however, was optimistic to say that the price will come down shortly in the retail market also, as the price have already started to decrease in the wholesale market due to multiple initiatives undertaken by the government. Businessmen may have anticipated that after twin floods and the onslaught of Cyclone, there will be shortage of rice and so price will go up. The sudden rise in rice prices on the international market exacerbated their anticipation, he said.

"With all these things coming together, rice traders took advantage of the situation to increase their profit margins hugely."

However current imports of rice are plentiful, the Adviser said, and with the decrease in the wholesale price he hoped to see the same change in the retail markets.

Replying to a question, Azizul said the country's economy is going through a tough phase now and the Government is trying its best both domestically and internationally to overcome it. "In order to combat this, the Government is making efforts to increase the mobilisation of national resources as well as arrange for more international financial aid."

He went on to say that the rise or fall in prices of any product depends on supply and demand. "In case the supply cannot meet the demand, it is obvious that there will be a rise in the price."

However, the Finance Adviser said he found it sad that there has been a price hike despite an ample supply of rice in the market.

Responding to another question Dr Aziz said the main focus of the government in freezing the questionable accounts of individuals and not their business accounts.

Azizul also mentioned that national revenue collection is presently going well. In the first five months (July-November) of the current fiscal year, revenue has already exceeded that of the same period a year ago by 24 percent, the adviser said.

"Due to the change in the country's law and order situation, the citizens are now more aware and interested in paying their taxes," he said.

"Whether this is due to their own sense of responsibility or their apprehension of the consequences, it has been made clear to all taxpayers that there are no alternatives to paying taxes."

Earlier, addressing the NBR function Dr Aziz asked the officials to implement tax related laws without discrimination. Otherwise, it will give rise to corruption.

"You are to implement all laws and rules uniformly to avoid any sort of corruption," he said.

The Finance Adviser directed the NBR officials to act in a manner that will foster business and trade friendly. "Otherwise, it will obstacle overall macro-economic position of the country," he said.

Describing corruption by a section of NBR officials as a major obstacle for investment and employment, Dr Aziz said this would not bring anything good for the country.

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday urged the country's affluent people and social welfare organisations to come forward in aid of the disadvantaged section of the society.

He assured the Rotarians of providing with necessary cooperation on behalf of the government in the expansion of their social welfare initiatives.

Dr Fakhruddin made this call while addressing the closing ceremony of the Rotary District Conference-2008 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

Rotary District Governor Rafiq Ahmed Siddique gave the welcome speech. Rotary International President's personal representative Manjit Sawhney also spoke on the ocassion while Rotarian Iftekharul Alam gave vote of thanks.

The Rotarian leaders presented a crest to the Chief Adviser.

Referring to two consecutive floods and catastrophic cyclone Sidr in the country last year, Dr Fakhruddin lauded the role of the Rotary International in making donation to the the CA's relief and welfare fund.

He also appreciated the role of the Rotarians in providing relief materials to the Sidr victims and building cyclone shelters in places selected by the government.

Referring to the first cyclone shelters built by the Rotarians in the early 1970s, Dr Fakhruddin said the cataract operation campaigns of the Rotarians also inspired so many people to be involved in philanthropic activities.

Pointing to significant progress made by the caretaker government in various fields, the Chief Adviser said despite the natural calamities, the government with the help of all has started rehabilitation works in the cyclone affected areas.

Staff Reporter

Odhikar, a local human rights watchdog demanded of the Government to lift the state of emergency to secure human rights in the country.

In its new annual report of 2007 released yesterday, the watchdog said alleged torture in the custody of different security agencies was one of the main concerns in the past year.

Odhikar disclosed the report at the National Press Club, where speakers also demanded a fear-free environment and election to reinstate people's basic rights curtailed at present because of the state of emergency.

A total of 184 people died at the hands of various security agencies last year, according to the report of Odhikar.

Of those, 130 people were killed during so-called "cross fire/gun fights/encounters," the report said.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) topped the list with 94 deaths, while 64 people died at the hands of police.

Moreover, seven others died at the hands of joint forces, the army was responsible for another seven and the navy for three deaths, said the report.

The watchdog highlighting the harassment of journalists by joint forces/security officials during the curfew in August 2007 reported that 'joint forces' and the government had intimidated the press.

In 2007, at least 35 journalists were injured while carrying out their professional duties, while 13 journalists were arrested, reported Odhikar.

Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique said the people's freedom of expression and views could be curtailed by imposing restrictions on the media.

Rashed Khan Manon said the government had no other responsibilities other than holding the election now.

Besides, Forhad Mazhar, Kazi Zafarullah, secretary of Odhikar Adilur Rahman Khan, Editor of the Daily New Age Nurul Kabir, Dr Dipu Moni and BNP leader Major (Retd) Akhtaruzzaman, among others, were present at the report launching meeting chaired by former secretary Asafuddoula.

BSS, Dhaka

The Power Division has realised outstanding electricity bills amounting to Taka 1,170 crore by conducting special drives from January to November last year.

Official sources said the outstanding bills till December 2006 was equal to the total bills for 4.23 months. But the amount of outstanding bills fell to an amount equal to bills for 2.61 months in September 2007 following the especial drives.

Besides, the total bills collected by Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) in last one year has crossed Taka 5,000 crore for the first time. The situation of loan repayment by the PDB has improved significantly following the increase in revenue collection.

Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (DESA) has turned into a profit- making organization this year, sources said.

A study entitled Financial Restructuring and Recovery Plan has been completed to bring financial self-sufficiency and accountability of the power sector.

Internet

Volunteers from the United States, Canada, Norway, and Denmark will head to flood ravaged Bangladesh to help immunize children against polio, a waterborne illness that still paralyzes and sometimes kills children in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, according to an internet report from Evanston, Illinois of USA yesterday.

These volunteers are members of Rotary, a worldwide humanitarian service organization that has polio eradication as its main philanthropic goal. The Rotary members will join other volunteers and health workers to administer drops of oral polio vaccine to children under age five.

Leading the group is Rotary club member and polio-survivor Ann Lee Hussey, of South Berwick, Maine. "Until polio is eradicated worldwide, every child remains at risk," said Hussey. "Though we are close to reaching our goal, we must continue our efforts until every child is protected against the tragic consequences of this disease."

Bangladesh reported 18 cases last year after being polio-free since 2000. Despite this recent outbreak, great progress has been made in Bangladesh. Before Rotary and its partners began the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, an estimated 11,500 children developed polio each year in that country. No polio cases have been reported in Bangladesh this year.

Bangladesh is considered particularly at risk for polio now due to flooding caused by the recent cyclone, combined with its proximity to India, one of four countries where the disease remains endemic. To help knock out the poliovirus in the endemic countries and protect nations at risk, Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in November announced a US$200 million agreement that calls for Rotary to match a $100-million Gates Foundation grant, with all funds earmarked for polio eradication. Rotary will spend the initial $100 million in support immunization activities in 2008 and raise the matching funds over the next three years.

In addition to immunizing Bangladeshi children for polio, the volunteer team will distribute medical supplies, including bandages, antibiotics, vitamins and worming medication, to help with other health needs related to the flooding.

Additional relief for displaced cyclone victims also comes from ShelterBox, a disaster relief charity funded by Rotary clubs around the world. Each of the 630 pre-packaged ShelterBox kits en route to Bangladesh contains a 10-person tent and supplies sufficient to help a family of 10 survive for at least six months.

As a spearheading partner in the GPEI, Rotary's commitment to end polio represents the largest private-sector support of a global health effort ever. In 1985, Rotary members worldwide vowed to immunize all children against polio. Since then, Rotary has contributed US$633 million to polio eradication, of which $17.5 million has supported immunization campaigns in Bangladesh. The other spearheading partners in GPEI are the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF.

Besides raising and contributing funds, over one million men and women of Rotary have volunteered their time and personal resources to help immunize more than two billion children in 122 countries during national immunization campaigns.

Rotary and its partners have made tremendous progress against polio. To date, the number of polio cases has been reduced from 350,000 children annually in the mid 1980s, to less than 2,000 cases all last year, an all-time low. In addition to India, only Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain polio-endemic.

Rotary is a worldwide organisation of business and professional leaders united to provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. It is comprised of 1.2 million members working in over 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotary members initiate community projects that address many of today's most critical issues, such as poverty, violence, hunger, illiteracy and the AIDS pandemic.

Chittagong Correspondent

Uncompromising stand of the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) in enforcing metered tariff of the auto-rickshaws in the port city has finally pushed the auto owners and drivers en-masse to the meter repairing and fixing workshops.

Backed by strong public support the CMP's move is assumed to become successful only it is kept under intensive watch until a culture of metered tariff is flourished.

Hundreds of auto-rickshaws mostly with no or defective tariff meters are rushing to the workshops for getting tariff meters installed or faults fixed.

Some of the frequent movers alleged that though the auto-owners and drivers were crazy for setting tariff meters, tendency of taking advantage of commuter's helplessness and charging excessive fare from the passengers did still present.

"We installed tariff meters simply to avert police harassment not for transporting commuters, Moktar Ahmed, an auto-rickshaw driver told this correspondent.

The CMP men began massive hunt for the auto-rickshaws had been exploiting commuters by charging tariff at the will of the drivers after the expiry of its earlier announced deadline on December 31 last year.

Staff Reporter

Speakers at the commemoration rally of Justice K M Sobhan yesterday said the late human rights leader was the guardian of activists for democracy and secularism. His departure has created a vacuum and the next generation, instilled with the memory of valour and commitment of late Sobhan, will have to come forward to fill this vacuum.

They demanded trial of war criminals to make Bangladesh secure saying trial of war criminals is an unfinished task of late Justice Sobhan and the young generation will have to stand united to finish it.

Sammilito Sanskritik Jote organised the mourning rally at the national Shaheed Minar in commemoration of Justice Sobhan who died at the age of 84 on 31 December.

Dr Zillur Rahman Chowdhury narrated contributions of Justice KM Sobhan in the various aspects of life and society. "K M Sobhan was brave and honest. He fought against communal repression, racism and fascism," he said.

Sector Commander of the Liberation War Major Gen (Retd) KM Shafiullah demanded the Government to initiated trial of war criminals in remembrance of the efforts of Justice Sobhan in this regard.

He called upon all to stand united to ensure the trial.

Dr S A Malek said many of us speak against communalism but do not materialise it in personal life. But non-communalism was the inherent practice of Justice Sobhan. He said departure of Justice Sobhan has wrought about a vacuum in the society.

Prof Anisuzzaman said Justice Sobhan worked relentlessly to establish democracy, human rights and rule of law.

Awami League Presidium Member Abdur Razzak termed late Sobhan as a valiant fighter for democracy.

"KM Sobhan expired at a time when his presence was of vital importance for the nation," he said adding "When human rights are being violated and conspiracy is being hatched everywhere, the new generation will have to come forward to establish non-communal Bangladesh."

CPB general secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim called upon all to work for establishing a repression and torture-free equitable Bangladesh that was cherished by K M Sobhan.

JSD president Hasanul Hoq Inu identified four challenges before the nation to meet within the year 2008, in case of a failure of which the nation will move towards a clash, he predicted.

He said, "Maintaining neutrality is the challenge of the caretaker government. To work in aid of civil administration and go back into the barrack with reputation is the challenge before the armed forces. To organise an acceptable election within the stipulated time is the challenge before the election commission. And to ensure trial of war criminals is the challenge before politicians. If we pass in these challenges, the year 1009 will be full of bliss and if we fail the next year will be a year of clash."

Barrister Amirul Islam commemorated the landmark judgements of KM Sobhan that increased prestige and dignity of the judiciary.

"He performed remarkable role to organise the intellectuals of the nation against negative consequences of the martial law. Now, in his absence we altogether will have to shoulder the responsibility," said the jurist.

Workers Party leader Hazera Sultana said Justice Sobhan was the guardian of the activists of human rights and democracy. He always fought against communalism and stood for secular Bangladesh.

Gonotantri Party leader Nurur Rahman Selim said late Sobhan was very fond of children and took part in various programmes of Khelaghar Asar, a children's organisation.

Prof AAMS Arefin Siddiqui said the memory of KM Sobhan is an asset to the nation and it should be protected.

Ramendu Mojumdar said Justice Sobhan dared to uphold Bangabandhu when mentioning the name of the assassinated founding father of the nation became risky under the regime of military rulers.

Kazi Rehan Sobhan, son of late KM Sobhan, expressed his determination and optimism to establish secularism and democracy in the county. "We will be able to built the beautiful, peaceful and harmonious Bangladesh, which was the aim of my father," he said.

Abul Mal Abdul Muhit, Asaduzzaman Noor, Syed Ashrafuzzaman and Prof Hamida Banu spoke in the rally, which was presided over by Nasiruddin Yussuf.

Staff Reporter

Two British MPs, who arrived Dhaka from London yesterday said they would closely monitor whether the ongoing anti-corruption drives in Bangladesh were carrying out neutrally.

"We support the ongoing anti-corruption drives in Bangladesh. But, we will closely monitor whether the anti-corruption drives are carried out neutrally," said Margaret Anne Main, Conservative Party members in the House of Commons, UK.

Anne Main is the chairman of UK organisation Friends of Bangladesh.

The two British MPs--Conservative Party members in the House of Commons Margaret Anne Main and John Timothy Archer, arrived Dhaka yesterday morning on a week-long private visit to Bangladesh.

Reaching the Zia International Airport in the morning, they later got into Sonargaon Hotel, where the members of the panels of lawyers belonging to both Awami League and BNP called on them in the afternoon.

Staff Reporter

Four private physicians of detained Awami League President and former premier Sheikh Hasina will make an appeal to Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed today (Sunday) to send her abroad for better medical treatment.

"We will send a letter to the Chief Adviser on Sunday," said Prof Syed Modasser Ali, one of the physicians of Hasina.

The other physicians are gynaecologist Prof Shaila Khatun, ENT specialist Prof Pran Gopal Dutta and medicine specialist Prof ABM Abdullah.

In their letter, the physicians will mention different complexities in Hasina's health including hearing and kidney problems.

They will also seek an appointment to meet the Chief Adviser to handover the letter.

"If it is not possible to meet the Chief Adviser for his busy schedule, we will try to meet the Home Secretary to handover the letter," Dr Modasser Ali said.

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a meeting in the city condemned the land grabbing of Osmani Udyan and role of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) and government lawyers in this regard.

A civic committee 'Movement for protection of land and environment of Osmani Udyan' was formed in the meeting organised by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) at its office yesterday.

Dr Md Abdul Matin, General Secretary of BAPA, Dr Md Nuruddin, representatives from 27 organisations attended the meeting, while Mohidul Haque Khan, environmentalist, chaired.

The speakers demanded of the Government, DCC and law-enforcing agency to take effective steps for saving the Osmani Udyan.

They urged the lawyers not to assist the land grabbers of Osmani Udyan.

The speakers said that the fake owner of the Osmani Udyan misguided the court and are trying to grab nine bighas of land of the park. The DCC and Bangladesh Railway are the main owners of that land. But these two organisations are doing nothing to protect the land of the park and for taking action against the land grabbers.

LONDON: A 102-year-old man is setting sail Saturday to start a new life in New Zealand, becoming Britain's oldest emigrant in the process, BBC television reported.

Eric King-Turner and his New Zealander wife Doris, 87, have decided to leave their village in Hampshire, for the city of Nelson on the South Island, seeking adventure and a cure for her homesickness. "I think I possibly like wandering about a bit. I somehow thought that it might be rather fun to move to New Zealand," said sprightly retired dentist Eric, who served on HMS Invincible during World War II.

"We haven't seen all the things in England we would have liked but we've also seen a lot on the continent and in the Mediterranean and I thought she was a little bit homesick. "I have to live from day to day. I can't seriously look past tomorrow morning because at my age, at 102, people go to bed at night and they don't make up in the morning.

"I am resigned to that but I've made no arrangements to die at all," he joked. "When I'm 105 I don't want to be thinking, 'I wish I had moved to the other side of the world when I was 102'."

The couple, both widowed, have been married for 13 years and shared the same surname. They met when the New Zealand King-Turners researched their ancestry in Britain. They set sail from Southampton on Saturday.