The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The nation celebrates today the historic 36th anniversary of home coming of father of the nation Bangabandu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from captivity in Pakistan.

On January 10 in 1972 Bangabandhu returned to free Bangladesh via London and

New Delhi after his release from jail in Pakistan, where he had remained captive throughout the duration of the Liberation War of 1971.

He was flown to London on release from captivity following the emergence of sovereign Bangladesh after nine months of the Liberation War in which occupation forces of Pakistan were defeated on the soil of Bangladesh.

The Pakistan occupation army took him captive on the midnight of March 25, 1971, shortly after crackdown on unarmed Bangalis sparking the War of Liberation.

Bangabandhu, though in captivity, inspired the nation to fight the occupation army of Pakistan to liberate the dear motherland.

Pakistan's military dictator General A M Yahya Khan refused to hand over power to Awami League though it had, led by Bangabandhu, won a landslide victory in the 1970 general elections.

On March 7, 1971, from a mammoth public meeting at Suhrawardy Uddan, Bangabandhu called for fighting with whatever one had, following military dictator Yahya's announcement on March 1, refusing to hand over responsibility of governance to the just elected majority party in parliament.

To celebrate January 10, 1972, the day Bangabandu returned to free Bantgladesh from captivity, Bangladesh Awami League (AL) has taken programmes, which would begin with hoisting of national flag at its central office, Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices across the country early in the morning.

Party leaders, workers and admirers will lay wreaths on Bangabandhu's portrait at Bangabandhu Bhaban at 8 a m.

Awami League will host a discussion on the great leader's life, struggles and achievements at the auditorium of Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) at 3 pm.

Wreaths will be placed at Bangabandhu's mazar at Tungipara, his village home, by streams of admirers besides, by a team of AL leaders from Dhaka comprising Abdur Razzak, Mukul Bose, Faruk Khan and Habibur Rahman Siraj.

AL acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam requested the party committees throughout Bangladesh to celebrate the day by organising discussions, doa and milad mehfils.

He requested the people from different walks of life to attend the discussion at IEB.

DU Correspondent

The agitation programme of Dhaka University teachers and students is intensifying day by day over the issue of freeing the detained teachers and students of the university.

A section of teachers observed one hour-long sit in programme at the foot of Aparajeyo Bangla of Dhaka University (DU) wearing black badges, while some students also observed a sit-in programme in front of Arts Faculty as part of class abstention programme.

The teachers pledged to continue their protest programme until the detained DU teachers and students were released.

They said it would be good for the government if the teachers were released soon otherwise the situation would deteriorate.

Besides, some students under the banner of 'Nirjaton Birodhi Chhatra Jote' will form a human chain from Curzon Hall area to Arts Faculty and another organisation under the banner of 'Chhatra Bandhu' called upon the students to abstain classes today.

The organisations cautioned that they would hold tougher programme like continuation of classes and examinations abstention if the detainees were not released.

Prof Kabir Chowdhury said the government would do wrong if the teachers` release was delayed.

Prof AAMS Arefin Siddiqui said the government could free the detainees easily by an executive order if it wants.

University authority has increased security forces at every point on the campus to keep order.

Earlier, students of Social Welfare Institute formed a human chain in front of the Institute for the same reason.

Sources said left-leaning student organisations are leading the agitation from behind the scene or in the name of different banners.

Shahidul Islam

Launching the countrywide open market sale (OMS) of rice yesterday, the Government has further intensified its activities to import 10 lakh metric tonnes of rice from abroad to cool down the abnormal price hike and to build up a comfortable food stock, meeting the shortfall due to three consecutive natural disasters last year.

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday had telephonic conversations with his Pakistani counterpart Enam-ul Haq for importing rice from that country while a three-member delegation led by Food and Disaster Management Secretary Ayub Miah left Dhaka for Delhi yesterday to finalise the import of 500,000 metric tonnes of rice.

Earlier last week, the Foreign Adviser had telephonic conversations with Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and requested him for taking initiative so that the 500,000 metric tonnes of rice reached Bangladesh as early as possible.

In the last few days, Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury held meetings with officials of the World Food Program (WFP) and envoys of India, Thailand and Vietnam in Dhaka to procure and import the required quantum (10 lakh tonnes) of rice.

The country is facing acute food deficit following the production loss caused by flooding twice and the devastating Cyclone "Sidr" last year that battered the country's southern coastal region on November 15.

Besides, a nexus among the hoarders, wholesalers and millers is reportedly responsible for causing the sharp price spiral of rice.

Officials of the Food Ministry yesterday said the import of food-grains from abroad through private channels will also be continuing side by side with that of the Government's procurement.

Meanwhile, the Dubai wing of Indian firm LMJ International Ltd made the lowest offer at US $397 per tonne yesterday in a Government tender in Dhaka to supply 50,000 metric tonnes of non- basmati parboiled rice, traders said.

The tender floated in November by the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management to import 100,000 metric tonnes of the rice to meet emergency needs, was closed yesterday with validity up to Jan. 29.

Among three participating firms, LMJ quoted the price to supply only 50,000 tonnes, for Chittagong port, cif including stevedoring on the seller's account, at both ends of the shipment.

State Trading Corp (STC) of India Ltd quoted US $433 to supply 100,000 tonnes and Bangladeshi firm Mabco Foods Ltd, quoted US $444.44 per tonne to supply 50,000 tonnes of rice respectively, official sources said.

Earlier, in the morning the Government launched a countrywide open market sale (OMS) of rice at a reduced rate than that of market against the backdrop of the abnormal price-hike of the staple food.

The Government appointed a total of 1,990 dealers across the country, including 450 in Dhaka city, for selling rice at Tk 25 per kg through the OMS operation in addition to the faire price shops run by the paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), which is selling rice at the same rate from last couple weeks.

The government has decided to sell 45,375 metric tonnes of rice at the reduced price within January under the program. As per the rules, each customer can buy a maximum of 3 kg of rice every alternative day. Of the total quantity of rice, OMS dealers will sell 25,375 tonnes and the BDR 20,000 metric tonnes in January.

On the first day of the operation yesterday, 1,305 OMS dealers, including 150 in the capital, took part in selling rice throughout the country. Rest of the dealers will participate in the operation in a day or two, Director General of Food Directorate Mollah Wahiduzzaman told journalists yesterday.

The sale of rice through OMS dealers will be held on every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday of each week from 9:00am to 5:00pm, he added.

Of the total 450 appointed dealers for Dhaka city 150 sold rice from 10 locations of city yesterday. In some selling centers, there have been long queues of people waiting for buying rice from morning to the afternoon till the closure.

Josna Begum, who bought 3 kg of rice at one selling center in the capital yesterday morning, said the rice sold in the outlets was good and much cheaper than the market price. "I will come again the next day," she said urging the Government to increase quota from 3 kg to 5 kg for each buyer.

The price of rice started sliding down this week with the military-backed Government intervention. However, it is still beyond the reach of the common people.

Earlier, The Economic Times reported from Delhi earlier that the Indian State Trading Corporation (STC) and NAFED were likely to decide on Tuesday on the bids floated by them for supply of preboiled and white rice to Bangladesh.

"Both STC and NAFED have invited bids on behalf of the government. The final decision on the tender would be taken tomorrow," a senior official of National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) said on Monday.

"Although the Indian government has decided to supply five lakh tons of rice to Dhaka but it has not yet allotted the quantity to each agency. We will get to know it shortly," he added.

The trading firms have specified the bidders must have at least two years of experience in supplying rice to Bangladesh. They should have exported a minimum quantity of 50,000 metric tones of rice in the last one-year. Also, the bidder must have sound financial background with a minimum annual turnover of Rs 100 crore.

Staff Reporter

Five new Advisers of the caretaker government were sworn in at Bangabhaban yesterday evening. The new Advisers inducted into the Council of Advisers are former

Secretary AMM Shawkat Ali, former Attorney-General AF Hassan Ariff, former Director General of the National Security Intelligence (NSI) Maj Gen (Retd) Ghulam Quader, Executive Director of NGO Gano Swakkharata Rasheda K Chowdhury and economist Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman.

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed administered the oath of office to the Advisers at the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban at 6:40 pm.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed and members of Advisory Council were present at the swearing-in ceremony. Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder conducted the ceremony.

"Portfolios will be allocated to the new Advisers at a special meeting of the Advisory Council on Thursday morning," an official said.

Four advisers of the caretaker government resigned Tuesday afternoon from the Advisory Council. Those who resigned were Law and Information Adviser Barrister

Mainul Hosein, Energy Adviser Tapan Chowdhury, Health and Family Welfare Adviser Major General (Retd) Dr ASM Matiur Rahman and Industry Adviser Geeteara Safiya Chowdhury.

Earlier, Education Adviser Dr Ayub Quadri resigned in the wake of

Paris-bound artefact scandal on December 26.

Sources said the top level of the caretaker government took initiatives to appoint new advisers after the resignation of four advisers Tuesday afternoon. The cabinet division contacted a large number of eminent personalities and sought their consent to become the advisers. However, most of them declined to be appointed as advisers expressing their "personal inconveniences." Subsequently, the names of five advisers were finalized yesterday afternoon. They will attend a special meeting of the Advisory Council at the Chief Adviser's office this morning where portfolios will be allocated among them. Later, they will attend their offices at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The new advisers have already been given special cars from the government's transport pool and security personnel. Besides, police were deployed at their respective residences in the city last night.

The incumbent caretaker government assumed office on January 12 last year under the state of emergency imposed a day before to quell political unrest over the abortive parliamentary elections.

It succeeded a short-lived caretaker government headed by President Prof Iajuddin Ahmed, which was formed as two rival political camps had failed to make a consensus choice for the office of Chief Adviser as per constitutional provision.

Staff Reporter

Bio-security measures have been beefed up in the zoo after the death of lone rhea, a species of flightless ratite bird native to South America, said the Zoo authorities.

The rhea of the Dhaka National Zoo had died of enteritis, inflammation of the intestines. It did not die of bird flu infection, they said.

Kazi Fazlul Haq, Curator of the zoo, said, "The birdcages are being sprayed with antiseptic twice daily and the entire zoo has been sprayed as well."

Virkon, a type of antiseptic, is being sprayed at the entry and exit points of the zoo for the safety of visitors. Besides, protective bamboo fencing has been placed to keep people at a safe distance, he added.

The eight and a half year-old rhea, brought from Thailand, died on Sunday. As the bird was discharging nasal fluid, the authorities were panic-stricken over the possibility of spreading of avian flu in the zoo.

While visiting the Dhaka National Zoo, this correspondent found cautionary notices posted in front of a number of birdcages including cassowary (nearly related to Emu, which is found in New Guinea), peafowl and heron.

Prof Nazrul Islam of Department of Virology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical

University (BMSSU) said, "Bird flu spreads from paw pads, nasal discharge and faeces of infected birds through the air. If people come in contact with infected birds, they risk the chance of being infected with the virus through inhalation. Even if someone touches an infected bird and eats food with that hand, there is a possibility of getting infected."

Shafiqur Rahman, Animal Nutrition Officer of the Zoo, said, "Electrolyte, vitamins and minerals have been increased in the bird feed to strengthen their immune system. Even all the animals of the zoo have been vaccinated as part of the precaution."

While visiting the Zoo this correspondent found that the Zoo is under constant threat of contamination, as most of the cages where flightless birds are kept did not have any roof above. Various common local birds such as sparrow, 'shalik' or crow were freely entering and leaving the cages to feed on the grains served to the caged birds.

A total of 1,220 birds of more than 58 species housed at the Dhaka National Zoo are now under imminent danger of being infected with bird flu virus as 19,000 fowls were culled only a few days ago at the neighbouring Central Poultry Farm following detection of bird flu.

Birds that are susceptible to Avian Influenza need to be identified first and then bio-security measures should be enhanced in the entire zoo to save the precious birds, experts said.

AFP, Concord

Senetor Hillary Rodham Clinton powered to victory in New Hampshire's Democratic primary Tuesday night in a startling upset, defeating Sen. Barack Obama and resurrecting her bid for the White House. Senetor John McCain defeated his Republican rivals to move back into contention for the GOP nomination.

"I felt like we all spoke from our hearts and I am so gratified that you responded," Clinton said in victory remarks before cheering supporters. "Now together, let's give America the kind of comeback that New Hampshire has just given me."

Her victory, after Obama won last week's Iowa caucuses, raised the possibility of a prolonged battle for the party nomination between the most viable black candidate in history and the former first lady, seeking to become the first woman to occupy the Oval Office.

"I am still fired up and ready to go," a defeated Obama told his own backers, repeating the line that forms a part of virtually every campaign appearance he makes.

McCain's triumph scrambled the Republican race as well.

"We showed this country what a real comeback looks like," the Arizona senator told The Associated Press in an interview as he savored his triumph. "We're going to move on to Michigan and South Carolina and win the nomination."

Later, he told cheering supporters that together, "we have taken a step, but only a first step toward repairing the broken politics of the past and restoring the trust of the American people in their government."

McCain rode a wave of support from independent voters to defeat former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, a showing that reprised the senator's victory in the traditional first-in-the-nation primary in 2000.

It was a bitter blow for Romney, who spent millions of dollars of his own money in hopes of winning the kickoff Iowa caucuses and the first primary - and finished second in both. Even so, the businessman-turned politician said he would meet McCain next week in Michigan primary, and he cast himself as just what the country needed to fix Washington. "I don't care who gets the credit, Republican or Democrat. I've got no scores to settle," he told supporters.

After Iowa, Clinton and her aides seemed resigned to a second straight setback. But polling place interviews showed that female voters - who deserted her last week - returned to her column in New Hampshire column.

She also was winning handily among registered Democrats. Obama led her by an even larger margin among independents, but he suffered from a falloff in turnout among young voters compared with Iowa.

Word of Clinton's triumph set off a raucous celebration among her supporters at a hotel in Manchester - gathered there to celebrate a New Hampshire primary every bit as surprising as the one 16 years ago that allowed a young Bill Clinton to proclaim himself "the comeback kid."

She was winning 39 percent to 36 percent for Obama. Former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina trailed with 17 percent. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson was fourth, polling less than 5 percent.

Despite running a distant third to his better-funded rivals, Edwards had no plans to step aside. He pointed toward the South Carolina primary on Jan. 26, hoping to prevail in the state where he was born - and where he claimed his only victory in the presidential primaries four years ago.

It was hard to tell who needed a Republican victory more - McCain or Romney. McCain was the long-ago front-runner who survived a near-death political experience when his fundraising dried up and his support collapsed. He shed much of his staff and regrouped. An unflinching supporter of the Iraq war, he benefited when U.S. casualties declined in the wake of a controversial building in U.S. troops. By the final days of the New Hampshire race, he held a celebration of sorts to mark his 100th town hall meeting in the state he won eight years ago.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who won the leadoff Iowa GOP caucuses last week, was running third in New Hampshire.

McCain was winning 37 percent of the Republican vote, Romney had 32 and Huckabee 11. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani had 9 percent, Texas Rep. Ron Paul 8.

Clinton's triumph was unexpected - and unpredicted.

Obama drew huge crowds as he swept into the state after winning Iowa. Confident of victory, he stuck to his pledge to deliver "change we can believe in," while the former first lady was forced to retool her appeal to voters on the run. She lessened her emphasis on experience, and sought instead to raise questions about Obama's ability to bring about the change he promised.

The grind took a toll on both of them.

Obama suffered from a sore throat, while Clinton's voice quavered at one point when asked how she coped with the rigors of the campaign. That unexpected moment of emotion became the talk of the final 24 hours of the campaign.

Clinton's performance came as a surprise even to her own inner circle.

Officials said her aides were considering whether to effectively concede the next two contests - caucuses in Nevada on Jan. 19 and the South Carolina primary a week later - and instead try to regroup in time for a 22-state round of Democratic contests on Feb. 5.

These officials also said a campaign shake-up was in the works, with longtime Clinton confidante Maggie Williams poised to come aboard to help sharpen the former first lady's message. Other personnel additions are expected, according to these officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity while discussing strategy.

The close Democratic race resulted in Clinton and Obama each winning nine national convention delegates, with Edwards getting four, according to an AP analysis.

In the overall race for the nomination, Clinton leads with 187 delegates, including separately chosen party and elected officials known as superdelegates. She is followed by Obama with 89 delegates and Edwards with 50.

McCain won seven Republican delegates to four for Romney and one for Huckabee. New Hampshire originally had 24 Republican delegates, but the national party stripped half as punishment because the state broke party rules by scheduling its primary so early.In the overall race for the GOP nomination, Huckabee leads with 31 delegates, followed by Romney with 19 and McCain with seven.

Obama's defeat came as he won an endorsement from the Nevada chapter of the Service Employees International Union, which represents 17,000 workers in the state that votes next. He is still strong in South Carolina, where the Democratic electorate is heavily black and likely to go for the most viable black presidential candidate in history.

The Republican race turns next to Michigan, where McCain and Romney already are advertising on television, and where both men planned appearances on Wednesday. Huckabee also was expected to campaign in the state.

According to preliminary results of a survey of voters as they left their polling places, more independents cast ballots in the Democratic race than in the Republican contest. They accounted for four of every 10 Democratic votes and about a third of Republican ballots. The survey was conducted for The Associated Press and the television networks.

Republicans were split roughly evenly in naming the nation's top issues: the economy, Iraq, illegal immigration and terrorism. Romney had a big lead among those naming immigration, while McCain led on the other issues.

Half of Republicans said illegal immigrants should be deported, and this group leaned toward Romney. Those saying illegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for citizenship leaned toward McCain, while the two candidates split those saying those here illegally should be allowed to stay as temporary workers.

Among Democrats, about one-third each named the economy and Iraq as the top issues facing the country, followed by health care. Voters naming the economy were split about evenly between Obama and Clinton, while Obama had an advantage among those naming the other two issues. Clinton has made health care a signature issue for years.

About one-third said if Bill Clinton were running, they would have voted for him on Tuesday.

Mashiur Rahaman

Shares of the Jamuna Oil Company Limited (JAMUNAOIL) witnessed buying spree on its first trading session yesterday in both the markets.

Total 1,58,200 shares, worth of Tk10.52 crore, were sold on the very first day of its public discloser in the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). On the other hand, total 16200 shares were reportedly traded on the same day in the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE).

In DSE, shares of Jamunaoil initiate trading at Tk 561 per share and closed trading at Tk600 per share. In the middle of the trading session, its trading price reached Tk 952 per share, which trickled down by the end of the day.

In CSE, similar buying trend was also witnessed with the Jamunaoil. It closed trading at Tk 601.30 per share within a trading day with Tk591.30 per share trading difference.

This growth is suspicious and abnormal for equity business, said number of market experts, while commenting on the day's trading in this script.

"When a share of Tk 10 jump up and trade at Tk 952 per share within a day, it doesn't put good impression on the market," said an expert to The New Nation.

According to him, price of share reached such height neither due to any rumour nor for manipulation. But it was a desperate attempt of some disappointed investors to try their luck by holding a stake in the Jamuna Oil.

"A large number of investors have sold-out their holdings in the market to buy as many shares as possible in Jamuna Oil. Even market went low during the last couple of days, waiting for this day," said an investor.

"But this move is not free of capital risk. Investors, who have invested their entire capital into this script, might be doing another major mistake," said a market expert.

What could happen with such high rated script, market has already witnessed as Tk 952 per share climbed down to Tk 600 within half a day trading, he added.

He advised all investors to stay calm and to show cautiousness in investing in such blue-chip sector.

However, aggressive Jamuna oil also influenced other exiting petroleum shares in the market. In DSE, shares of Padma Oil Ltd closed at Tk 1302 per share with Tk 68.9 per share loss within a trading day. The share initiated trading at Tk1380 per share, which started to grow up coping with Jamuna oil. But it collapsed ultimately, when its partner started to climb down from the peak.

Day's range for Padma Oil Ltd was Tk 1,302 to Tk 1,499.9 per share, as recorded.

Finally, the DSE closed in green, adding 42.33 points in its general index. The index closed at 2989.36 points.

Among all 224 issues traded on the day, 168 issued advanced, 37 declined and remaining 19 were unchanged. Total turnover on the day was recorded at Tk 137 crore.

Similarly in CSE, all share price index closed in green, increased by 96.88 points. Its closing point was 7588.48.

Among total 115 issues were traded on the day, 97 gained, eight declined and 10 remained unchanged.

Staff Reporter

Detained BNP senior joint secretary general Tarique Rahman was placed on one day's police remand for interrogation in an extortion case against him by a court yesterday.

On the other hand, Tarique complained to the court that physical tortures were carried out on him in remand on December 31 last.

He also sought justice from the 'independent' judiciary.

"Please, don't place me on remand. They torture me in remand. Let me live…I want to live," cried out Tarique, making a fervent appeal to the judge, as crowds of media crew, police, lawyers and his supporters scrambled outside the court in Old Dhaka.

As the Investigation Officer (IO) of the case, filed with Gulshan Police Station by Khan Mohammad Aftabuddin, managing director of Reza Construction Ltd, sought to the court to place him on seven days' remand, Tarique complained that he was subjected to "physical and mental torture" during repeated remands.

"Inhuman tortures were inflicted upon me taking me blindfolded with a piece of black cloth to an unknown place on December 31 last. Inhuman tortures continued round-the-clock binding my hands above. Now I feel severe pain in my waist and I can't sit," he said.

Besides, he alleged that he had been facing negligence in treatment.

During the remand hearing, Tarique Rahman, eldest son of detained former prime minister Khaleda Zia, was given a chair to sit in the dock as he felt sick and couldn't keep standing.

Tarique said, "I'm in politics for a long time. For that I went to many places of the country. I helped many orphans, poor and helpless people. I distributed cows and goat among these people. I arranged the weddings of many poor girls. I also arranged treatment of many people. I'm a politician, not a terrorist. I'm concerned about the safety of my life."

The court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Ehsanul Haque eventually granted police one day for grilling Tarique in the extortion case.

Earlier, Tarique was taken to the court amidst tight security. In the beginning he tried to speak to the media, but police did not allow him to do so.

Lawyers said that the IO prayed for his seven-day remand on November 15 and hearing was completed upon the prayer. The judge rejected the remand prayer and asked the investigating police official to interrogate him at the jail gate.

After about two months, the IO of the case again sought his seven-day remand on January 7.

Tarique's counsel alleged that he was "tortured in the name of remand" and also prayed to the judge to give order to interrogate him at the jail gate instead of granting remand anymore.

During the hearing, the lawyers argued that Tarique Rahman's name was not in the FIR of the case. Controversial businessman Giasuddin Al-Mamun, his friend, is to blame for allegedly taking money from the real-estate firm, they told the court.

"Tarique Rahman is the victim of conspiracy and was arrested only to keep him aloof from politics," said the panel of lawyers.

It was alleged that Giasuddin Al-Mamun demanded Tk 1.32 crore from the Reza Construction Firm--as it clinched construction-work order for two roads in Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj on June 23, 2005.

Allegations also have it that he also threatened that the tender would be cancelled if Aftabuddin refused to give the speed money. "Later, Aftabuddin paid the money by cheque," it is stated in the graft case.

A chaotic situation was created in the court as police pushed a cameraman of Channel-I from the stairs of the court when he went to take video shots of Tarique.

"As he protested, all the police gathered there and attempted to beat the journalist. But the situation became normal with the intervention of lawyers," a witness said.

BSS, Dhaka

Chairman of National Board of Revenue (NBR) Muhammad Abdul Mazid said yesterday no prospective tax-payers would be exempted from paying income tax as his organisation continues its drive to identify them in an unbiased manner.

"We will identify every tax evader in a decent way without harassment," he said while talking to BSS about NBR activities during the last one year and its future actions at his office in the city.

Abdul Mazid said NBR officials have already started working for finding out the tax evaders, who would be served with legal notices soon, as per the survey carried out earlier. "If I don't chase the tax evaders then my honest and sincere clients, who have paid their income taxes in time, would think that the rules are for the fools," the NBR Chief said.

He said the NBR would launch the drive profession by profession, including lawyers, doctors and teachers, to bring all of them under the tax net.

"You have to come under the tax net. If needed, we would reduce the tax rate, but all from any profession should pay their taxes to the government," he asserted.

Assessing the causes for achieving the remarkable success in collecting tax last year, the NBR Chairman sighted two main factors-ongoing various reform programmes undertaken by the present Caretaker Government and freedom of work of their colleagues.

Abdul Mazid said due to the various reforms and the drives against corrupt persons and irregularities, awareness has been created among people of paying their taxes.

He also said now the officials and employees of the NBR are performing their duties with more sincerity and honesty as they are working without any pressure or influence from the higher authorities.

The NBR Chief said, "Now, there is no quarter or individual who can say you cannot collect tax or duties from me as I am the son of that influential person."

The NBR collected income tax of Taka 739.11 crore last year, which was 193 percent more than the previous year. It collected Taka 252.11 crore in 2006-07.

The NBR Chief said the number of income tax-payers has increased by 20 percent as 6,45,617 individuals submitted income tax returns in 2007-'08 and 5,35,994 in the previous year.

The collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise duty has already increased by 20 percent in the first five months of the current fiscal than the same period of the previous year, he added.

Abdul Mazid said the overall growth of revenue earnings has so far recorded 24.73 percent and 36.73 percent of the target of the budget for revenue collection has already been fulfilled, which are much encouraging for the NBR.

Responding to a question on the marginal increase in submitting tax returns despite having 2.2 million tax-payer identification number (TIN) holders, he said, "The number of the returns is not so high as tax ceiling has been raised to Taka 1,50,000 from Taka 1,20,000 last year."

The NBR Chairman said presently they are bringing various reforms to the tax collection system, which was not possible to implement during the political regimes.

"We have opened up 'help desks' in all of our offices, upgraded our website and published a citizen charter, which describes our activities and tax paying procedure in details," he said.

Replying to a question on the sustainability of the reforms, Abdul Mazid said the changes are being brought according to the clauses and regulations of the NBR and there is no point to think that the reforms would not be existed in future.

Besides, he said, "We have a plan to give awards to five people in each district for their sincerity in paying tax for encouraging people in submitting their returns timely."

The NBR Chief said they have also decided to invite proposals from various trade bodies and other organisations much earlier of the next national budget for making it more rational, participatory and pro-people.

As part of the plan, he said the NBR has already sought budget proposals from chamber bodies, trade associations, professionals and research organisations within January 31.

"We will compile the proposals by February and start budgetary discussions with all stakeholders so that none would be affected after the announcement of the budget," he said.

Staff Reporter

Resignation of four advisers from the caretaker government was termed as "unfortunate" by their fellow colleagues yesterday.

Agriculture Adviser Dr CS Karim termed the resignation of four advisers as "unfortunate."

"We worked all together as a team for one year and took decisions unitedly. Our objective was to implement the roadmap. That is why it is an unfortunate incident for us," he said while giving his reactions to reporters at his secretariat office yesterday.Dr Karim, however, said despite the resignation of four advisers work would go on as usual. "Our responsibility is to hand over power to the elected representatives according to the roadmap announced by the Election Commission," he said.

Four Advisers--Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein, Energy Adviser Tapan Chowdhury, Health and Family Welfare Adviser Major General (Retd) Dr ASM Matiur Rahman and Industry Adviser Geeteara Safiya Chowdhury resigned from the Advisory Council Tuesday afternoon.

After their resignation, the heart of the administration-Bangladesh Secretariat-came to a standstill yesterday. A sort of stagnation prevailed in the normal activities of the secretariat throughout the day yesterday. Virtually no activities were seen in the offices of the resigning advisers.

Visiting the secretariat yesterday morning it was found that other advisers of the government did not reach their respective offices till 10:45am. LGRD and Cooperatives Adviser Anwarul Iqbal entered the secretariat at about 10:50am. Reporters surrounded him right at the elevator. He was looking very pale and exhausted. He, however, did not make any comment when his reaction was sought about the resignation of four advisers.

Later, Anwarul Iqbal said though the normal activities of the caretaker government would somewhat be interrupted by the resignation of four advisers, it would not be stopped at all.

He said the resignation of four advisers would have no impact on the general elections ahead.

At about 11:30am, Communications Adviser Maj Gen (Retd) MA Matin arrived at his office inside the Secretariat. He also declined to make any comment to the questions of reporters.

However, the issue of the resignation of four advisers was the talking point at the secretariat. They also tried to know the reasons behind the resignations of the four Advisers. But, the reasons could not be known.

Officials and employees also discussed about the persons who were going to be new advisers.

Meanwhile, the nameplates of four resigning advisers were removed from in front of their offices yesterday afternoon. The nameplate of Food and Energy Adviser Tapan Chowdhury was brought down from in front of his office first. In the same way, the nameplates of other advisers-- Health and Family Welfare Adviser Major General (Retd) Dr ASM Matiur Rahman and Industry Adviser Geeteara Safiya Chowdhury-were removed and white papers were put in those places.

The nameplate of Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein was removed at about 1:15pm from in front of his office at the Ministry of Law.

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Wednesday said his caretaker government and the Election Commission were proceeding towards holding the general election before end of this year (2008) and there is no reason for doubt about it.

The head of caretaker government stated this to the visiting Amnesty International Secretary General, Irene Khan, when she paid a courtesy call on him at the CA's office.

Dr Fakhruddin said the main objective of the government is to hold a free, fair and credible election within the targeted timeframe and the Election Commission is working to this end following its announced roadmap.

Lifting restrictions imposed under state of emergency, election, human rights, Right to Information Act, reform of the Police Act and trial of war criminals came up for discussion.

On trial of war criminals, the CA said the present government mainly focused on reforms and election. He however said political parties could include the issue in their next election manifesto.

On trial of suspected corrupt, he said they have been tried in normal process under the existing law of the land. "None is above the law and everybody is given due process."

Irene Khan said they would submit some recommendations to the government for expediting reforms. Similarly, they will give recommendations to the political parties.

On restrictions under state of emergency, Dr Fakhruddin said under the state of emergency some restrictions had to be imposed.

He, however, said if the government felt necessary, it would lift restrictions gradually, according to the CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim

The AI secretary general appreciated government's various reform measures and steps, including separation of the judiciary and the formation of National Human Rights Commission (NRC). "You have started remarkable things and the next government will have to follow those," she said.

Irene said selections at Human Rights Commission are important.

The CA said they would look into proper selection of people for the NHRC, adding that the government is observing what best practices can be of Human Rights Commission in the light of other countries' Human Rights commissions.

Responding to a suggestion for making public the reports of various commissions, the CA said they would try to develop a system to this end.

Director of the Amnesty International, Denmark, Lars Normann Jorgensen and head of office of AI Secretary general Judit Arenas Licsa accompanied the AI secretary general.

Staff Reporter

Pioneering entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations, and governments around the globe are inventing the Earth's first sustainable global economy, according to State of the World 2008: Innovations for a Sustainable Economy. The report was released by the Washington, D.C.-based Worldwatch Institute yesterday, according to a message received in Dhaka.

In response to climate change and other environmental problems, these leaders are field-testing a remarkable array of economic innovations that offer surprising and hopeful new opportunities for long-term prosperity, finds the new report from the institute.

"Once regarded as irrelevant to economic activity, environmental problems are drastically rewriting the rules for business, investors, and consumers, affecting over $100 billion in annual capital flows," say project co-directors Gary Gardner and Thomas Prugh.

The report describes a host of new economic opportunities that are attracting capital. An estimated $52 billion was invested in renewable energy in 2006, up 33 percent from 2005. Preliminary estimates indicate

that the figure reached $66 billion in 2007. Carbon trading is growing even more explosively, reaching an estimated $30 billion in 2006, nearly triple the amount traded in 2005.

Some of the most powerful players in today's economy have announced breakthrough environmental initiatives in the past two years, including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, McKinsey & Company, and Wal-Mart. And many large companies are putting their political muscle where their investment capital is: 27 major corporations, including Alcoa, Dow Chemical, Duke Energy, General Motors, and Xerox, are actively urging the U.S. Congress to pass legislation regulating greenhouse gas emissions-something that would have been unthinkable two years ago.

Innovative companies are also revolutionizing industrial production to meet environmental challenges, while finding that they're saving money: the chemical giant DuPont cut its greenhouse gas emissions 72 percent below 1991 levels by 2007, saving $3 billion in the process. Another sign of dramatic change is the 575 environmental and energy hedge funds now in existence, most of them formed in the last few years.

"Clean tech" has rapidly grown to be the third largest recipient of venture capital, trailing only the Internet and biotechnology. And 54 banks, representing 85 percent of global private project finance capacity, have endorsed the Equator Principles, a new international standard of sustainability investment.

State of the World 2008 cites two major economic modeling studies that find that the damage from global climate change could equal as much as 8 percent of global economic output by the end of this century. Citing World Bank data, the report also notes that some 39 countries experienced a decline of 5 percent or more in wealth when accounting measures also included factors such as unsustainable forest harvesting, depletion of non-renewable resources, and damage from carbon emissions. For 10 countries, the decline ranged from 25 to 60 percent.

To avoid economic collapse at the global level, the State of the World authors call for major reforms of government policy to steer investment away from destructive activities such as the extraction of fossil fuels and toward a new generation of environmentally sustainable industries. Specific recommendations include making prices tell the ecological truth by reducing subsidies and adopting environmental taxes, the message adds.