The New Nation - Internet Edition

Tk 3 crore extortion case against Hasina: Judge quits ejlas amid row: Ajam Choudhury's renewed deposition triggers new controversy

Ajam J Choudhury : Again centre of controversy:
Defence (centre) and prosecution lawyers (right) briefing
the newsmen on Monday after an unprecedented row in the
courtroom over the renewed deposition of the complainant in
the extortion case against Awami

Staff Reporter

Proceedings of the Trial Court in an extortion case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday abruptly adjourned till today following a row between the defence and prosecution lawyers in the courtroom.

Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge M Azizul Haque, who was presiding over the trial, suddenly left the ejlash (courtroom) quietly as the lawyers of both the sides continued to exchange hot words, which led to a virtual courtroom chaos.

After five minutes, the Court clerk announced that the hearing was adjourned till today.

The clamour ensued when the defence lawyers protested against the prosecution's objection to the previous statement made in the court by the complainant Azam J Chowdhury, who filed case against Sheikh Hasina and her co-accused alleging that they had forced him to pay Tk 3 crore extorion money in exchange of a power plant contract.

On his first day deposition, Azam J Chowdhury told the Court that he had filed FIR of the extortion case with Gulshan Police Station on June 10 last year. But yesterday he said that he filed the FIR on June 13, not June 10 last year.

This prompted defence lawyers to raise serious objection against Azam J Chowdhury's new information regarding the date of the filing of the FIR (first information report).

Judge M Azizul Haque recorded the statement of Azam J Chowdhury with objection raised by the defence.

Defence Counsel told the Court that the day was fixed for cross-examination of the complainant by them but the prosecution started reopening Azam J Chowdhury's deposition, which should not be permitted as per the trial procedure.

At this stage, exchange of hot words between defence and prosecution lawyers created a noisy scene in the courtroom.

The Judge did not agree with the defense plea that today was scheduled for cross-examination of Azam Chowdhury. "Go through my records. I wrote that it will continue," he said.

Opposing the Judge's claim, defence lawyers said, " If it is so, it has been recorded later under influence of the prosecution. But the Court reacted sharply saying ' No, no, no."

At one stage, when the Chief Special Public Prosecutor Sharfuddin Mukul again tried to record the further deposition of Azam J Chowdhury regarding his local agency of Russian power company a row broke out in the courtroom.

In a fit of anger Mukul told the Court that he was not going to contest the case further. The Judge left the ejlas (courtroom) quietly amidst hot exchanges between defence and prosecution lawyers.

Sheikh Hasina and her cousin Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim were taken to the makeshift court on the premises of Parliament at 9:45AM, in connection with the case filed by businessman Azam J Chowdhury. Sheikh Hasina, however, remained calm and quiet during the row and did not say a word, witnesses said.

Meanwhile, the scheduled hearing on the Rule challenging the legality of bringing the extortion case against Sheikh Hasina under the Emergency Power Rules (EPR) for trial did not take place yesterday as the Government side prayed for time.

According to the Court order, the Attorney-General's office was supposed to submit the official records yesterday that prompted the Government to give approval to bring the extortion case under the EPR for trial.

When the matter came up for hearing before the High Court bench comprising Justice Shah Abu Nayeem Mominur Rahman and Justice Shahidul Islam, the Government sought time for countering the opinions of a panel of amici curiae appointed by the court.

The panel of amici curiae identically viewed that the trial of an offence, which had been committed before the promulgation of the Emergency Power Ordinance, 2007 cannot be held under the ambit of the Emergency Power Rules and, as such, it was illegal and done in violation of the Constitution.

Granting the Additional Attorney-General's prayer, the Court adjourned the hearing till this (Tuesday) morning.

Additional Attorneys-General Salahuddin Ahmed and Mansur Habib appeared for the Government while Barrister Rafique-ul Huq for Sheikh Hasina in the High Court.

Sooner emergency lifted, and elections held better: Ex-PMs trials must be carried out in accordance with laws of this country: Donald Camp

US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Donald Camp
talking to newsmen after holding a meeting with Foreign
Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs on Monday. FocusBangla

Staff Reporter

The United States yesterday categorically said it would be better for Bangladesh if the state of emergency is lifted and elections are held sooner.

"The US government has been very clear that sooner the state of emergency is lifted is better, sooner the election can be held is better," US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Donald Camp told reporters after a meeting with Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.

However, he noted that the caretaker government is making some important reforms and those reforms need to be institutionalised.

The State Department official said the US people and government "stand ready to support the Bangladeshi people on their path to democracy."

Asked about Washington's position on current process of trial of two former Prime Ministers, Camp said they expect that any trial in Bangladesh, including those of the former Prime Ministers, must be carried out with due process and in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Bangladesh.

"We think that any trials in the country, including two former prime ministers must be carried out openly and with due process in accordance with the Constitution and laws of this country," he said.

He said the US is supportive of the caretaker government and holding of the elections according to the roadmap later this year.

"We know that the caretaker government is making reforms and those reforms need to be institutionalised," he said.

Earlier, Donald Camp paid a courtesy call on Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed at Army Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment in the morning.

He remained some time with the Army Chief and discussed matters of bilateral issues, an ISPR press release said.

US Charge d' Affaires Geeta Pasi was present at that time.

Asked about his meeting with General Moeen U Ahmed, Camp said they discussed the election roadmap and reforms of the caretaker government.

Terming the outcome of nearly 45-minute meeting with Iftekhar as very useful, he said the US and Bangladesh are good friends and he looks forward to further cooperation between Washington and Dhaka.

Asked about Bangladesh's chance of getting access to US President's Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Fund following the crackdown on corruption here, the State Department official said it is important for Bangladesh to make efforts to end corruption.

"This is important to be a part of the Millennium Challenge Account and Millennium Special Program," he said, adding any country that participates in it needs to have certain criteria of having good governance, good economic governance and to be free from corruption.

Asked about the US concerns, he said Washington wants that civil liberty and human rights be protected in Bangladesh.

The Foreign Adviser said Bangladesh wants to reduce dependence on aid and seek development through trade and "for that market access is important for us."

He said they discussed market access of Bangladeshi garment to the US as well as cooperation in economic and international arena.

The Adviser hoped that the US would continue to support Bangladesh's development efforts.

Iftekhar said: "We need to maintain friendly relations at all levels irrespective of what kind of government is in office."

He added: "We've so many common elements. We've worked

together in the past to stabilize the region. We need to further strengthen our linkages in order to advance our goals."

A US Embassy release circulated among reporters said Camp encouraged respect for human rights and due process and commended caretaker government's commitment to fighting corruption.

Besides, he welcomed the caretaker government's commitment to political dialogue.

They reviewed steps being taken to enhance investors' confidence and expand trade between the two countries.

The two discussed future high-level bilateral visits.

US charge de affaires Geeta Pasi and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were present at the meeting.

Later, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Donald Camp paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the latter's office at Tejgaon.

During the meeting, the Chief Adviser told the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary that the government is carrying out institutional reforms along with advancing with the plan for holding the next general election in time.

"We are on the path of holding a free, fair and credible election…..there is no doubt about holding the election in time," he told Donald Camp.

Dr Fakhruddin said as the concerned institution the Election Commission has been working for holding the election in a credible manner and the government is extending all necessary support to the EC.

Referring to Dhaka-Washington relationship, he said Bangladesh values its relations with the US and Bangladesh should have market access to the US in the context of its performances.

In response, Donald Camp appreciated the caretaker government for its reform measures, saying the US is very supportive of the government and has been publicly appreciating its roles and activities.

About investment in the country, Camp stressed increasing foreign investment in Bangladesh for achieving economic growth on a large scale. "Bangladesh has to increase foreign investment as the economy of the country largely depends on it," he said.

Referring to the Bangladesh's decision to eliminate child labour in the ready-made garment industry, he said the decision has increased foreign investment in the very vital sector.

US Charge d' Affaires Geeta Pasi was present on the occasion.

Anti-quota system activists beaten

A group of Dhaka University students formed a human
chain at the foot of Aparajeyo Bangla yesterday with a call
to retain the quota system in BCS examination.
FocusBangla

DU Correspondent

The activists of a left-leaning student organisation beat up two students of Dhaka University, who were agitating against the quota system in Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination, leaving them injured seriously.

The students who were rushed to the Dhaka Medical College (DMCH) for treatment were identified as Omar Faruque, postgraduate student of Information and Library Science Department of the University and Aminul Islam, Master Degree student of Political Science Department.

A group of students under the banner of 'Movement against quota in the BCS' led by Convenor of the movement Selim Hossain submitted a memorandum to the Vice Chancellor Prof SMA Faiz demanding punishment of those who beat up the students.

The VC assured them that he will take action against the culprits and also extended his moral support to the movement.

At the same time, the students also submitted an application to the Army Chief through the DU VC to cancel the quota system from BCS examination.

The attackers were identified as Aziz Hasan, former organising secretary of Chhatra Union, Mehedi, fourth-year student of Bangla Department, Harun, first-year student of Institute of Education and Research and Pintu of History Department. They alleged that Faruque and Aminul were the activists of Chhatra Shibir.

The incident occurred in front of Aparajeyo Bangla while a group of students were forming a human chain for retaining tribal quota in the BCS examination.

Meanwhile, the left-leaning students under the banner of general students held a rally and said the anti-liberation forces were trying to destabilise the campus in the name of movement against the quota system.

Bird flu update: No improvement in sight: Dead crows found in Ramna Park in city

Staff Reporter

A number of crows were found dead at the Ramna Park in the city yesterday triggering a fear of a pandemic of bird flu in the capital.

Meanwhile, around 50,000 more poultry were culled countrywide yesterday to combat a severe outbreak of bird flu that continues to spread while neighbouring country has stepped up similar efforts.

The Livestock Department has taken up special measures for protecting the poultry farms from the infection of avian influenza, virus of bird flu.

The birds were killed near Dhaka as the deadly H5N1 strain spread to a new district. The virus is now present in 35 out of 64 districts in the country, said officials of the Livestock Department.

Biddyut Kumar Das, Scientific Officer of Livestock Department, said, "On Sunday, the flu was detected in a 10 new farms yesterday, forcing the Livestock Department to slaughter all birds in the area."

Efforts to slaughter in the western Kushtia would continue today (Monday), he said and adding, "The situation is not good. There is no sign of improvement."

Nearly 50,000 birds were slaughtered yesterday in the single biggest cull since the deadly virus was detected on a farm near Dhaka in February last year, according the Livestock Department.

No human infection has been reported in the country since the latest outbreak began last month. But a health official said nearly 800 farmers had been given anti-viral drugs as a precaution.

The government has also ordered major hospitals to set up isolation units.

Around 23,500 domestic and poultry fowls were culled in Narsingdi and Jhenidah yesterday after detection of bird flu.

Our Narsingdi correspondent said 22,000 chickens of 11 poultry farms were culled and buried at Raipura upazila yesterday in presence of Deputy Commissioner Md Jillar Rahman.

Some 500 chickens died in the poultry farm of Khorshed Miah of Bataria village of the upazila friday night. Bird flu was detected after examining the smaples of dead chickens in Savar Livestock Research Centre.

In Jhenidah, about 1,500 domestic fowls were culled in Moheshpur upazila yesterday. Livestock officials collected the chickens, ducks and pigeons from Patibeela, Boga and Baropur of the upazila.

In Chittagong, 11,000 domestic fowls were culled yesterday night after detection of bird flu.

In Rajshahi, the avian influenza prevention and coordination committee is intensifying inter-departmental coordination and creating awareness at the poultry bird farmers level to check bird flu.

As the frontier areas are considered as the most vulnerable for bird flu infection, Bangladesh Riffles (BDR) and other law enforcing agencies have stepped up effective measures to stop smuggling of chicks and eggs into the country from neighbouring India.

All poultry hatcheries in Rajshahi division were brought under the close supervision and monitoring network of the Department of Livestock. Officers and employees of the department as well as police personnel are also being given training on checking bird flu.

Our Gaibandha correspondent said Director General of Department of Livestock Services Sunil Chandra Ghosh said adequate precautionary measures including spraying of anti virus and raising public awareness have been taken to prevent bird flu in the country.

Animal health worker will be appointed very soon in the bird flu affected four upazilas-Gaibandha sadar, Gobindaganj, Sundarganj and Sadullapur - and other parts of the country in order to intensify the preventive measures of bird flu as the poultry industry is a perspective sector in the country.

He said while speaking at a view exchange meeting on bird flu at the office of Gobindaganj upazila livestock officer on Saturday as chief guest.

Saifuddin Manik laid to rest

People from all walks of life paying their last
respect to Saifuddin Ahmed Manik by placing wreaths on his
coffin at Central Shaheed Minar in the city on Monday. Focus
Bangla

Staff Reporter

Veteran politician, Gano Forum general secretary and one of the frontline organisers of the Liberation War late Saifuddin Ahmed Manik was laid to rest yesterday at the Mirpur Intellectuals Graveyard after his final namaz-e-janaza at the National Eidgah after Zohr prayer.

Earlier people from all walks of life paid tributes to the great politician at the central Shaheed Minar from 11:00 yesterday morning up to Zohr prayers.

Manik's coffin was brought to the Shaheed Minar premises at about 11am. He died of cancer at the age of 69 at a city hospital on Sunday.

Leaders of different political parties, socio and cultural organisations paid the leader honours at the Shaheed Minar premises. People waited in a long queue with floral wreaths to honour Manik from their heart for the last time.

Leaders of the Awami League, BNP, Gono Forum, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Liberal democratic party, Karmajibi Nari, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jatiya Mahila Parishad, JSD Chhatra League, Sammilito Ainjibi Shamonnoy Parishad, Bangladesh Chhatra Union and people who loved him thronged the Shaheed Minar to have a last glimpse of his mortal remains.

Many of them were seen weeping as they viewed the body of Manik, who played a significant role in the Liberation War in 1971.

Awami League presidium members Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Tofail Ahmed, Suranjit Sen Gupta, Abdur Razzak and central leader Asaduzzaman Nur were present there.

Central leader of the BNP MK Anwar led the BNP team to pay tribute to the great leader.

Bangladesh receives $190m to recoup flood-Sidr losses: Deal with ADB signed

Staff Reporter

The Bangladesh government signed loan and project agreements totalling $190 million with the Asian Development Bank yesterday.

The agreements were signed for funding a project aimed at accelerating economic growth through recovery from the colossal damage done by the last floods and cyclone in the country.

Economic Relations Division Secretary M Aminul Islam Bhuiyan for the government while ADB Country Director Hua Du on behalf of the ADB signed the agreements at a ceremony at ERD office, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the city.

ADB is extending a loan of $120 million equivalent from its confessional Asian Development Fund and a $200,000 technical assistance grant to the Emergency Disaster Damage Rehabilitation Sector Project.

Japan Bank for International Cooperation is extending a $60 million loan and the Canadian International Development Agency is preparing a grant of $10 million for the project. Further co-financing is expected from other partners through ADB. The government is providing $30 million to complete funding requirement.

"The project will contribute to sustainable economic growth by minimising the devastating impact of the severe floods and cyclone that hit the country last year and, at the same time, reduce future risk from similar catastrophes," said Hua Du, ADB's Country Director for Bangladesh.

She said the project would also assist in capacity building and training to strengthen government's disaster preparedness by adopting cost-effective and disaster-resistant infrastructure design standards and improve early warning system through increased sub-regional cooperation.

The project would be implemented over two and a half years from January 2008 to June 2010 through LGED, R&HD and BWDB.

Its main objective is to sustain economic development by supporting

government efforts to rehabilitate high-priority and essential infrastructures damaged in the 2007 flooding and cyclone Sidr

The project would be implemented in five parts. The first would provide financing to import essential commodities and inputs, particularly for agriculture, to ensure quick recovery. The component is the main under the project with a budget of $75.56 million of the total project cost.

The second component, which has an allocation of $33.57 million, involves the rehabilitation and restoration of rural infrastructure in 23 districts, including 3,000 kilometers of rural roads and 9,000 meters of bridges and culverts. It also involves the development or rehabilitation of 300 flood and cyclone shelters, including those for livestock, to help communities during future disasters.

The next part covers the rehabilitation of urban infrastructure, including 700 kilometers of roads, 65 kilometers of drains, 850 meters of bridges and culverts, and footpaths in 30 municipalities. This component will have a funding of $20.89 million.

The fourth component, which will be provided with $46.43 million in funding, will involve the repair of 800 kilometers of damaged national, regional, and district roads, as well as 64 bridges and culverts within the country's seven road zones.

The last part consists of repairs for flood control, drainage and irrigation facilities, and embankment breaches. Flood control structures, protective work and canals in districts will also be replaced. The fifth component was allotted $31.70 million. In addition, $9.85 million will be used for project implementation support.

Emergency to be lifted before city polls : CEC

Staff Reporter

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday indicated that the state of emergency would be withdrawn before the city corporation elections expected to be held from April next.

Talking to reporters on his way to the Chief Adviser's Office to meet with Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, he observed that city corporation polls were not possible amid the state of emergency since the candidates would have to be allowed for carrying out their campaigns.

"How is it possible to hold the polls if the emergency rules are not lifted?" he countered while replying to a query on the matter whether the emergency would go before the local government elections.

Two Election Commissioners-Muhammad Sohul Hossain and Brig Gen (Retd) Sakhawat Hossain accompanied the CEC to the meeting.

The CEC said all activities including holding of national elections would be carried out in accordance with the roadmap announced earlier.

"No problem has appeared in the way to implement the roadmap so far. I cannot tell about the future. However, I hope the roadmap will not be hindered," he said.

About the agenda of the meeting with the Chief Adviser, Shamsul Huda said, "I shall discuss everything with him." He ,however, did not specify what everything actually meant but said, "You (journalists) will know tomorrow everything what was on our table."

Replying to a question, he reiterated that the ninth national polls would be held by the end of this year adding that the Chief Adviser also made a promise in this regard.

The CEC, however, did not make any comment on the reported resentment by the two Commissioners on the ordinance that freed the EC Secretariat from government control.

It is reported that the two Commissioners were not happy with the ordinance as it empowered the CEC instead of institutionalisation of the EC secretariat.

No briefing was made from any side on the outcome of the meeting with the Chief Adviser. However, sources said holding of city corporation polls, withdrawal of emergency before those elections and different aspects of the ordinance came up in the discussion

Earlier, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Donald A. Camp yesterday called on the CEC at his office.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Donald Camp said that the USA observed that the state of emergency should be withdrawn and fundamental rights should be restored as soon as possible.

He expected the elections in Bangladesh would take place very soon.

Donald Camp however said that full participation of all in the electoral process is vital to democracy in Bangladesh.

"Full democracy is vital to the country. Full participation in the electoral process is vital to the democracy of Bangladesh," he observed.

Terming the meeting with the CEC fruitful one, he said, "We are impressed with the excellent job they (EC) are doing for the future of democracy in Bangladesh.

Replying to a question, the visiting US official said it is important that emergency is lifted and fundamental rights are restored as soon as possible.

He applauded the CEC on progress towards democratic elections and urged continued movement towards reaching the goal by 2008.

Donald Camp encouraged the important role that political parties, media, NGOs, and the civil society play in the electoral process with open dialogue being an essential component.

He reiterated the US government's willingness to provide support to the EC and said, Washington looks forward to seeing the realisation of Bangladeshi peoples' dream of a democratically elected government by the end of this year.

EC roadmap will flop, says AL: Hold election by June-July

Staff Reporter

The Awami League yesterday apprehended that the Election Commission might fail to hold the elections within the timeframe announced as per polls roadmap, if they were to wait for seven months to know about the election schedule.

"The Election Commission-declared electoral roadmap might be hampered if the election schedule is announced seven months later as stated by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr ATM Shamsul Huda," Acting Awami League (AL) President Zillur Rahman told a view exchange meeting at his Gulshan residence with a note of dissatisfaction over the CEC's remark.

CEC Dr Huda on Sunday said they would have to wait for about seven more months to knowing the schedule for the parliamentary elections, which was stalled for over a year following a crisis created due to the uncompromising stances of the BNP-led four-party alliance and AL-led grand alliance.

Zillur Rahman said it was not possible to hold the election within 2008 if the polls schedule would be announced seven months later.

"According to the Chief Election Commissioner's remark, the election schedule would be announced in October. Then how it would be possible to conclude the election process within 2008?" he posed a question and urged the Commission to hold election within July this year.

Urging the Caretaker Government to lift the state of emergency immediately, Zillur Rahman said such situation was not prevailing in the country, which calls for the continuation of emergency.

Asked whether they would launch movement to free detained party President Sheikh Hasina, he said they were continuing their movement despite a number of limitations as the country is now passing through state of emergency.

Zillur Rahman reiterated the demand for the immediate release of Sheikh Hasina, also a former Prime Minister, and handover power to an elected Government after holding a free, fair and neutral election.

He further demanded trial of the war criminals, saying, "The people of the country are united for the trial of the war criminals."

Bangladesh Juba Mahila League, a front organisation of the AL, organised the view exchange meeting with President Nazma Akter in the chair.

AL leaders Prof Nazma Rahman and Dr Dipu Moni also spoke on the occasion. Jubo Mahila League General Secretary Apu Ukil conducted the programme, which was participated by its leaders Sabina Akter Tuhin and Farida Yasmin.

Gas supply to city normal: Repair works complete

Staff Reporter

The gas supply in the city's southeastern areas was restored at about 11:00am yesterday as the repair work of the gas transmission line at Daudkandi in Comilla was completed by 3:00am yesterday.

However, the gas supply situation became normal in the afternoon. Though the gas supply became normal in different areas of the city, the fillings stations experienced low pressure in gas supply.

The repair work initiated by the state-owned Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) was completed in 27 hours starting from Saturday midnight.

The gas supply became normal after completion of the pipeline repair

works, said a press release of the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company, which is entrusted with the responsibility of gas distribution to capital Dhaka and some other districts.

Managing Director of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd Engineer Mohammad Abdullah said the Power Development Board (PDB) was also informed to start production at their power stations which was shut down for the gas supply cut.

The gas supply to Dhaka city from the Bakhrabad-Demra transmission line was partially cut off on Saturday midnight.

After the supply-cut, the consumers in the city were fed from the already stored gas in the transmission and distribution lines within the city area. Titas Gas also made alternative supply arrangements to cope with the emergency.

The Gas Transmission Company Limited beganthe repair works in the transmission line keeping close contact with Titas Gas Company and Bakhrabad Gas Company, both of whom get supply from the line.

Jt operation to be launched against fertiliser smuggling

UNB, Dhaka

The government will conduct joint operation by army, police, BDR and Coast Guard to combat fertiliser smuggling in a bid to ensure smooth supply of fertilizer during current Boro cultivation.

The decision was taken yesterday (Monday) at Advisory Council meeting on Law and Order following intelligence report that huge quantity of fertilizer is being smuggled out to neighbouring countries, especially Myanmar.

A Home Ministry official said large quantity of fertilizer is being smuggled to out Myanmar through several points from Cox's Bazar.

Members of police, BDR, Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Army were asked to conduct joint operations to combat the smuggling, the official said after the meeting held at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In Bangladesh price of one kg of fertilizer is about Tk 5 while in Myanmar it is Tk 23 and in India Tk 12.

It was proposed at the meeting to galvanize electric transformer with electricity poles to prevent stealing of transformers. Police and intelligence agencies were asked to shut down shops selling stolen transformers.

Chaired by Home Adviser Maj Gen (Retd) M A Matin, the meeting was attended, among others, by Law Adviser Hassan Ariff, LGRD Adviser Anwarul Iqbal, IGP, DGs of RAB and Coast Guard and concerned high officials.

The meeting reviewed overall crime situation in the country and expressed satisfaction over the prevailing law and order situation.

However, the meeting was told that incidents of dacoity on highway have increased. The law enforcers were ordered to take strong measures to stop car lifting, stealing and snatching being committed by 'Oghyan Party'.

The meeting decided to conduct eviction drive to remove illegal structure near Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University to build the hospital's outdoor as Tk 8 crore were already allocated for it.

The meeting also decided to recover some 474 plots from land grabbers at Rupnagar in Pallabi. The plots are kept occupied for last 22 years.

ACC decision soon on submission of chargesheet in Gatco graft case

UNB, Dhaka

Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury yesterday (Monday) said a decision would be taken soon on submission of a charge sheet in the Gatco graft case against detained former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko and 11 others.

The anti-graft watchdog filed the case on September 2 based on which Khaleda and Koko were arrested the following day. After two months of investigation about three months ago, the investigation officer submitted the report recommending submission of charge sheet against a total of 31 individuals.

The additional 18 persons include former ministers like Saifur Rahman, Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Motiur Rahman Nizami, Dr Khandaker Mosharaff Hossain, M Shamsul Islam and MK Anwar.

"Very soon, you'll come to know the old incident newly…You'll know…You'll get a decision," the ACC chairman told a Commission briefing this afternoon while replying to a question about submitting the charge sheet in the case.

He said the Commission is aware about the cases pending with the higher court and the cases would have to be run following the law completely. The Commission will now pay importance on these cases, he added.

"There are many cases pending with the higher courts. We've appealed against many cases. Acknowledging the matter of time, we'll wait for the verdicts. It'll take time," Mashhud said.

In reply to a question, he described the willingness of some 129

employees of Titas Gas to return the ill-gotten money as encouraging and said there should not be any violation of law in doing so.

Replying to a volley of questions about letting corrupt suspects off the hook in return of the ill-gotten money, the ACC chairman categorically said whatever is done there must not be any violation of law, there should not be any undesired effect and there should not be any problem in the future.

To a query about Dr Kamal Hossain's recent stance at the court against a case filed by ACC, he said Dr Kamal is not a member of ACC' s panel of lawyers, "therefore no condition has been breached".

Mashhud said from the 7th of the current month the Commission would begin interviewing the employees who were not earlier absorbed by the Commission and those with good records would be absorbed by it. "This will increase the Commission's manpower," he added.

About corruption prevention activities, he said the Commission would chalk out two anti-corruption programmes this month-one in Pabna on February 9 and another in Sylhet division.

About district- and upazila-level corruption prevention committees, Mashhud said the activities of the committees should not be controversial for any reasons.

About the Commission's ongoing campaign for prevention of corruption, he said it is now people's expectation to take forward the campaign.

Oriental Bank's sale tender: Swiss ICB Group top bidder

Staff Reporter

The ICB Finance Group Holdings AG, Switzerland has proposed Tk 350.67 crore to purchase 50.10 per cent shares of Oriental Bank in their tender quotation. The company was announced the top bidder among the two companies who have qualified in technical tender evaluation earlier.

Another bidder was the Domestic Investors Consortium, who has proposed Tk251 in their tender proposal, said Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank and Chairman of the Tender Evaluation Committee Mursheed Kule Khan.

He also informed that the formal announcement of the preferred bidder would be held after further evaluation by the Central Evaluation Committee, as per scheduled.

"Further evaluating the financial biddings of ICB and Domestic Investors Consortium, the central bank will announce final approval on February 11, 2008. The final name of the purchaser of Oriental Bank will be officially announced on February 14, 2008," said the Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank.

He was talking to the media after formally unwrapping the tender proposals of the two parties in their presence at the Bangladesh Bank office yesterday.

On February 28, 2008 the formal signing of Sale and Purchasing Agreement will take place, as scheduled.

Bangladesh Bank called for tender to sale 50.10 per cent share of Oriental Bank on August 02, 2007. Face value of the tender was set at Tk 350 crore. Total six companies submitted their primary tender offer on September 23 of the same year but only two companies submitted their final tender to the Bangladesh Bank on December 12, 2007.

Companies, which have withdrawn their participation from the tender of Oriental Bank, are the BRAC Bank Ltd Bangladesh, Summit Industrial and Mercantile Corporation (Pvt) Ltd. Bangladesh, Hatton National Bank Ltd Sri Lanka and East Invest Private Equity Ltd. UK.

Officials present at the tender opening session were, member of selection committee and Joint Secretary of Finance Ministry Amolendu Mukharjee, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Law Khademul Islam Muhammad Bilal, CEO Bangladesh Bank Yasin Ali, General Manager Nobogopal Bonik, General Manager of Oriental Bank Jahangir Alam, ICB representative Harith Bin Harun and representative of Domestic Investors Consortium Motiul Islam.

Mentionably, the central Bank discovered Tk596 crore capital of the Oriental Bank was mislaid in 2006 by some management members and staff. Then BB took over the control of Oriental Bank on June 19, 2006 to safeguard depositors' interest.

On the same day, managerial body of the bank was dissolved and its MD CM Kayes was suspended. After sufficient investigation, the central bank under the bank company rules, confiscated all the movable and immovable property of its two major share holder Obaidul Karim and Abul Khaleq Litu.

To reorganise the bank, Bangladesh Bank set a roadmap, which received approval on August 3, 2007. The central Bank called for tender on August 6 of the same year as part of their road map.