The New Nation - Internet Edition

Speakers at memorial meeting: Collaborators of Kibria’s killers still active

Dr Reza Kibria, son of slain Awami League leader and
former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria, speaking at a
discussion meeting in memory of the leader marking his 3rd
death anniversary at the party's central office at
Bangabandhu Avenue in the city on Su

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League leaders urged the caretaker government to declare specific date for parliamentary polls and to refrain from resorting to any action that could make elections uncertain.

They said AL will take part in bilateral dialogue with government without any precondition but if the government sets any condition, its results will not be good.

"People wants election. The government has said preparations for holding the elections is more or less completed. Now the government should declare specific date for the long-awaited election," AL presidium member Abdur Razzak told a discussion marking the 3rd anniversary of death of former Finance Minister Shah AMS Kibria. Kibria was assassinated in a grisly grenade attack in his hometown in Habiganj on January 27,2005.

AL presidium member Tofail Ahmed, organizing secretary Abdul Mannan, son of the slain Finance Minister Dr Reza Kibria, among others addressed the meeting with Jamaluddin Mohammad Akbar in the chair at the AL central office at Bangabandhu Avenue. Bangabandhu Sangskritic Jote organized the discussion.

Razzak said the caretaker government should hand over power to people' s elected representatives at the earliest for the sake of restoring peace in the country.

He said killers of Shah AMS Kibria and masterminds of the August 21 grenade attacks on AL meeting at Bangabandhu Avenue were yet to be brought to justice. "It is now a public question as to why the State has failed to unearth the culprits?" Razzak said the terrorists and their godfathers could not be arrested during the previous BNP-Jamaat regime as top men of that government were the masterminds of the brutal attacks.

"Now people hope that the caretaker government will fairly investigate into the terrorist attacks and killings," he said. Razzak demanded that investigation report of the grenade attack and Kibria's killing will have to be published.

He emphasized on holding of successful dialogues with political parties to arrange acceptable elections.

Tofail said AL will attend bilateral dialogue with the government. " We will not give any condition. We hope the government will also not set any condition. Otherwise, the result will not be good." He said the government should not behave shuch a way that might make the election uncertain.

Tofail said political parties and people are not the opponents of the government. "We want to help the caretaker government to arrange the election so they can hand over power to elected representatives of the people."

About the government-political party dialogue, Tofail said AL wants to discuss with the government not only election, but also other politico-economic problems prevailing in the country. He said the government will have to take effective steps to arrest skyrocketing prices of essentials including rice. Tofail said investigations into the Kibria killing and the August 21 grenade attack should be done by the United Nations. " And for the UN-sponsored investigation, the government will have to make the appeal," he said.

Dr Reza Kibria said that after killing of his father, a strong public opinion was grown up for punishment of the killers following their peaceful campaign.

"We wanted permission to continue the peaceful movement, but present caretaker government did not give us the permission," he said. Dr Reza alleged that collaborators of his father's killers are still active within the administration and the government. He opined that holding of the election will be risky without bringing his father's killers to justice.

"My father's killing and the August 21 grenade attack were not ordinary incidents. These are political crimes. So, if masterminds of such terrorism go unpunished, then the election will not be free and fair," he said.

BPGMEA President interviewed: Bad policy putting brakes on growth of plastic industries

Muhammad Jasim Uddin

Mashiur Rahaman

Plastic industry in Bangladesh carries vast business potential but some injurious government rules and policies are pulling back its growth, said plastic goods manufacturers and importers.

"The Plastic industry annual profit increased by 59 per cent in FY2006-07, reflects how potential this sector is," said President of Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) Muhammad Jasim Uddin.

But some recently imposed Government regulations have put us behind in competitive global market, Jasim Uddin added while talking to The New Nation.

According to him, present government has imposed some new rules and regulations on plastic raw materials import. Advance 25 per cent bank guarantee and labelling every imported item is such example, which have caused unnecessary import hazards and delayed deliveries.

"We believe our Government must have a positive intention behind imposing those but they should have considered the market condition before doing so. At least they should have consulted with the importers and manufacturers to evaluate the present situation," President of BPGMEA complained.

Unfortunately our government has not done so, and we the importers and manufacturers are facing immense technical difficulties in meeting its requirements as well as fulfilling market demands, he further added.

Thousands of containers, caring plastic raw materials are held at the Chittagong Seaport for several months because they don't contain stamps of "Not for Sale" on the product. It has not only caused us a great financial loss but has also wasted valuable production time, said Muhammad Shamim Ahmed, General Secretary BPGMEA while explaining their business hazards.

"We are export oriented companies and import raw materials on the basis of order from foreign buyers. When our imported raw materials are held for months, we fail to deliver orders on time. It earns a bad name for our business as well as harmful for the industry," he explained.

"We already have faced several order cancellation in the last couple of months for this delay. Our compotators are taking advantage of this situation and have already taken away many of our confirmed buyers," he added.

Mentioning the potential of plastic industries in Bangladesh, President BPGMEA informed, Bangladeshi plastic products are gaining rapid popularity in domestic as well as international markets. These plastic products have successfully entered into the US, EU, Canada, Malaysia, Thailand and even China and Indian markets.

Moreover, plastic products worth Tk2,331.21 crore were exported in FY 2006-07. Among them, Tk1,059 crore was earned from manufactured item exports and Tk1,272 crore was earned from raw products export, he informed.

According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) statistics, Tk38.36 crore was earned from plastic items in November 2007. It was Tk24.12 crore in the previous month, as recorded.

All this statistics reflects the tremendous business potential of plastic industries in Bangladesh; just we need supportive government initiatives, said President BPGMEA Jashim Uddin.

It is ironic that all such peculiar business restrictions on our plastic industries are imposed in such a time when our competitors face some kinds of restrictions or ban from the international consumer markets. For example, recent ban on Chinese toys in EU and USA Markets for containing harmful chemicals.

"Restrictions like these limits us from taking over the market, availing the chance. Similar practice was witnessed in terms of ban on India and Vietnam as well," he said.

According to him, our produced P.V.C pipe, P.V.C bags, polythene sheet, plastic hanger, synthetic ropes, plastic waste, belts, toys, automobile appliances, sacks, home appliances, electronic products and many other furnished products have great business potential in international markets. We have achieved significant foreign investments, both in joint venture and relocation of industries in Bangladesh.

To keep this tremendous growth on, we need the Bangladesh Government and EPB to encourage us, not to act like opponents, concluded President of BPGMEA Jashim Uddin.

Cases against loan defaulters: Banks asked to go for out-of-court settlement

Staff Reporter

Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam advised the government banks to go for 'out of court' settlement of cases against loan defaulters.

There might be many good borrowers as well in your defaulters list who have become loan defaulters because of some justified reasons, he said.

"They should be given a chance to negotiate the issue outside court in an honorable manner," said the Finance Adviser.

It will help increase bank's cash inflow as well as save legal expenditure and time to do other jobs, he said while addressing the inaugural session of Janata Bank Limited (JBL) Annual General Meeting-2008 at a local hotel in the city yesterday.

He also expressed his dissatisfaction over the banks overdue loans that increased gradually to 16 per cent of the total loans and advances.

"Employees of public banks need to change their approach towards their profession. Sometimes Government bank gives too much attention to the bad clients, which makes goods clients leave unattended. It has to be changed," he added.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed and Finance Secretary Dr Mohammed Tareq also spoke at the session, which was chaired by the Chairman JBL Suhel Ahmed Chowdhury.

The Finance Adviser also said the government would gradually solve the lending problems of the bank with other government agencies as it had done for Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) through the issuance of bonds.

He appreciated the bank's performance in respect to some indicators like deposit and remittance collection, but criticised its poor performance in recovering classified loans, and lower import financing despite 17 per cent growth in overall imports.

About shortage of human resources in the newly transformed nationalised commercial banks (NCBs) into limited companies, Dr Aziz suggested re-deployment of bank executives from a less busy section to another busy section.

He also suggested the bank to be more inclined to adopting modern technology and innovative products, and to improve client services to make the bank more service-oriented.

"The bank must implement its commitment properly to improve client services through a new 15-year work plan," he said, assuring the government support to implement the plan.

The Finance Adviser, however, pointed out a challenge to be faced by Sonali, Janata and Agrani banks after having their new identity - on one hand they have social responsibility and on the other, they will have to earn profit for the government. "I hope, the bank will be able to face the challenge," he said.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Salehuddin criticised that the bank's performance in import financing particularly in industrial raw material and capital machinery declined last year while the extent of classified loans increased to about 16 per cent, gradually rising from 12.0-12.5 percent in 2006 and 10.0-10.5 per cent in 2005.

He advised the bank to improve efficiency of its human resources, adopt information technology widely, impose method of operation and introduce innovative products to bring qualitative change in client services.

Bank chairman Suhel Ahmed apprised the meeting of the 15-year work plan of the bank and sought cooperation of the government to implement the plan to take the bank much ahead of its present condition.

Int'l Children's Film Festival begins today

Filmmaker Morshedul Islam speaking at a press
conference organised by Children's Film Society at the
National Press Club in the city on Sunday in connection with
1st International Children's Film Festival which will begin
today. NN photo

Staff Reporter

The 1st International Children's Film Festival, organised by Children's Film Society Bangladesh, will begin today (Monday) at 4:00pm at Shawkat Osman Auditorium of the Central Public Library in the city.

It will continue till February 3. The festival will be held simultaneously at four venues in the city.

The venues are the Shawkat Osman Auditorium and Seminar Hall of the Central Public Library, German Cultural Centre, Iranian Cultural Centre and the Russian Centre for Science and Culture. The main event will be held at the Central Public Library.

This was disclosed at a press conference held at the National Press Club yesterday.

Morshedul Islam, filmmaker and festival director, read out a written statement, while Mustafa Monwar, artist, Khushi Kabir, Fuad Chowdhury, adviser of the festival, Munira Morshed Munni, General Secretary of Children's Film Society, Sheikh Sazid, Coordinator of the festival, among others, were present on the occasion.

An impressive collection of 135 films - feature, short, animation and documentary - from 37 countries will be screened at the festival. These films were selected from 200 films. A considerable number of films are from Germany, Russia, Iran and India. A selection of children's films produced in Bangladesh so far will also be a part of the festival, said Morshedul Islam.

Prof Anisuzzaman will inaugurate the festival, while

Rasheda K Chowdhury, Adviser for Primary and Mass Education and Women and Children Affairs, and Jamil Osman, Secretary for Information Ministry, will be present on the occasion. After the inauguration, an Estonian film 'Rudi' will be screened, he said.

As part of the festival, children from all over the country were asked to write an essay on 'My Favourite Movie.' Based on that, the festival committee selected 100 children from Dhaka and other parts of the country. Two children from Khagrachhari and 20 disabled children are also invited to the festival, he added.

Artist Mustafa Monwar is the chairperson and Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal is the vice-chairperson of the event, said the organisers.

"The event is focused on our children, as sources of recreation for them are limited in our country. The event would be a great opportunity for them to know more about the cultures and lifestyles of Bangladesh and other counties," said the festival coordinator.

Atiq Rahman wins UN award for environment

Atiq Rahman

Dr. Atiq Rahman, Executive Director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, has won the UN world award for environment 'Champions of the Earth-2008.

The award was given this year on a regional basis and Dr Atiq won if for the Asia Pacific Region.

The Champions of Earth are invited to accept their award at an international ceremony, which will be held in Singapore on April 22, 2008.

Orbiting US satellite can crash to Earth

Reuters, Washington

A U.S. intelligence satellite has lost power and could fall to Earth some time in February or March, a government official said on Saturday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the spy satellite can no longer be controlled and it was not known where on the planet it might come down.

"Appropriate government agencies are monitoring the situation," said National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe. "Numerous satellites over the years have come out of orbit and fallen harmlessly. We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage this satellite may cause."

In recent years, NASA has safely brought defunct satellites back to Earth. In 2000, the space agency manoeuvred the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory to a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

Include gender issues in PRSP-II

Staff Reporter

Experts and representatives of the civil society urged the government to include gender issues in the proposed PRSP-II to reduce discrimination against women.

They also urged the government to organise advocacy meeting among the policymakers, politicians and gender experts before drafting of the PRSP-II, which will be finalised in June this year.

This was urged at a press conference jointly organised by Prip Trust and Oxfam at Dhaka Reporters Unity yesterday.

Aroma Dutta, Executive Director of Prip Trust, read out a written statement, while Farhana Hafiz of Oxfam, Shirin Banu Mitil, Director of Prip Trust, among others, were present on the occasion.

Aroma Dutta said, "The government made the PRSP, which will work as guideline to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDGs). But in fact, there is hardly any participation of women in the process of making PRSP. As a result, women's rights and roles have not been established in the society."

There is no female representative in the infrastructure of the political empowerment. Although there are few women representatives in the local government level, but they have to face a lot of discriminations from their male colleagues, she said.

In the PRSP, there is no separate allocation of budget for women, speakers said and urged the government to allocate more fund for the economic development of the women in the country.

August vandalism: Cases against JU students withdrawn

JU Correspondent

Police yesterday withdrew the cases filed against the students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) with Savar and Ashulia Thanas following formation of a human chain by students demanding the same.

The cases were filed following the act of vandalism centering the incident at Dhaka University between the law enforcing agencies and students on August 22. The JU students earlier declared different programmes including submission of memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor, sit-in in front of the Central Shaheed Minar on the campus and formation of human chain.

As per the demand of unconditional withdrawal of the cases against students, both the Savar and Ashulia Police Stations withdrew the cases Sunday afternoon.

The JU VC Prof Khandaker Mustahidur Rahman and Proctor Syed Kamrul Ahsan greeted the concerned authorities for withdrawing the cases. At a rally Syed Kamrul Ahsan said the students are now relieved after the withdrawal of the cases.

It can be mentioned that centering the incident of DU on August 22, the students of Jahangirnagar University vandalised some public buses on Dhaka-Aricha Highway and also some Army vehicles. Savar and Ashulia Thana Police filed two separate cases against 1,500 students of the university following the incident. Savar and Ashulia Police had earlier already submitted two charge sheets against 17 students of the university in those cases.

Garment worker killed

UNB, Dhaka

A garments worker was murdered in the city's Pallabi area early Sunday.

The victim was identified as Mazharul Islam Manna, 40, an iron man of Babylon Garments of Ashulia. Hailed from Madaripur district, Manna was residing at Chandpura Khejurbagan in Ashulia. Police said, Manna went to visit his elder brother Momen, caretaker of a building in Mirpur Section-11 under Pallabi police station, on Saturday night.

But, Manna had an altercation with a worker, Alamgir, over sleeping arrangement at a room of the building.

At one stage, Alamgir hit Manna on his head with a piece of timber at about 1am, leaving him dead on the spot, said sub-inspector Salam of Pallabi police station. Police rushed to the house and arrested Alamgir. The body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for postmortem.

FAO Representative meets Foreign Adviser

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Saturday said self-sufficiency in rice production is both possible and desirable, as UN food-agency FAO is considering support in this regard.

"Bangladeshi external partners will cooperate in this regard," he said after FAO Representative AD Spijkers met him at his office and discussed food-related matters.

Spijkers said that he had reviewed the matter of FAO support to Bangladesh in attaining self-sufficiency in food, "a commodity whose price was rising worldwide". He observed that in his view Bangladesh would be able to meet the boro target of 17 million tons this year.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation Representative observed that he was privileged to be the first foreign representative to meet with the Foreign Adviser after the latter's return from Davos, which was a "springboard to global prominence".

Graft case: Charge sheet against Taimur Alam submitted

Court Correspondent

Charge sheet was yesterday submitted to Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court against detained Taimur Alam Khandaker, former Chairman of BRTC in a graft case filed for receiving Taka 25 lakh as bribe. Golam Mostafa, Deputy Director of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), filed the case on August 14 last year against the accused with Paltan Thana of the city.

The complainant accused Taimur Alam Khandaker of receiving the money on April 16, 2006 while he was the Chairman of BRTC from one Halim Talukder for allotting Nikunja Motor Service Centre of Fatullah in Narayanganj to the complainant.

Meanwhile, Golam Murtaza Majumder, Divisional Special Judge of Dhaka Sunday recorded the depositions of three witnesses in the graft case filed against Jatiya Party Chairman Hussain Mohammad Ershad in connection with installation of telephone line with 89 upazilas of the country and fixed February 28 for recording the depositions of other witnesses. Depositions of MH Chowdhury, former Chairman of Bangladesh Telephone and Telegraph Board, officers Md Abdul Wadud and A R Shaber were recorded yesterday in presence of HM Ershad.

Meanwhile, hearing in the case, in connection with foreign currency filed against former Works Minister (detained) Mirza Abbas was not held yesterday. K M Rasheduzzaman, Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Second Court of Dhaka fixed January 31 for further hearing of the case. Mirza Abbas was present in the court.