The New Nation - Internet Edition

Miliband meets Chief Adviser, Army Chief: Road to democracy, rule of law, counter terrorism discussed

British Foreign Minister David Miliband visiting a
voter registration centre in a school in Gazipur yesterday.
FocusBangla

Staff Reporter

Reiterating his country's support for the Caretaker Government steps to elections before the end of the year, British Secretary of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband, MP, yesterday said Bangladesh was smoothly heading towards democracy.

Addressing a crowded press conference at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Dhaka concluding his two-day official visit, he said his country encourages positive and constructive dialogue between the Caretaker Government and the political parties.

Replying to questions, Miliband said the outcome of the dialogue is a mutual responsibility of the Caretaker Government and the political parties. He said, "Right now, Bangladesh and its people are striving to achieve a democracy that will endure."

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury conducted the press conference.

He said the success in the endeavour would be vital for Bangladesh's future stability, development and prosperity. "All have a stake in this. Therefore, all have a responsibility towards the process of reforming and strengthening democracy," the High Commissioner said.

David Miliband was assured by the Bangladesh Army Chief that the military would remain separated from politics, helping the nation's speedy transition to genuine democracy.

He observed that it is an important year for Bangladesh for speedy transition to genuine democracy through free and fair elections.

"I was struck by the commitment and sincerity of the Chief Adviser and others I had discussions with to return to democracy and democratic rule," he told a pre-departure crowded media conference at the residence of the British High Commissioner in the evening.

Miliband yesterday had separate meetings with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed and Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed, visited voter list preparation in Mymensingh and a DFID funded project in Sirajganj district.

Earlier, on Friday he had separate meetings with Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury and three Election Commissioners, including Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda.

David Miliband said he also encouraged the proposed dialogue between the caretaker government and the political parties.

"We would look at all sides to respond and participate positively, for achieving inclusive elections and reach a consensus over reforms, which can help sustain democracy in Bangladesh," he said.

He also reminded mutual responsibilities of the Caretaker Government, political parties, civil society and free media to contribute to the transition to full democracy.

The British Minister said his country as a close friend of Bangladesh and its people support the commitment to the process and ambition for transparent, inclusive and fair elections of the highest standard.

He said, "We have encouraged the elections at the earliest opportunity before the end of 2008 - we support the restoration of the full democratic process as soon as feasible."

Miliband said the election process is progressing and the commitment and enthusiasm of the Caretaker Government, the election commission and the people are very encouraging.

In this context, he expressed satisfaction over the process of the voter registration to which his country has contributed US$ 22 million.

Describing 2008 as a very important year for politics of Bangladesh, Miliband said he was impressed by seriousness of professionalism of the EC and the army as regards voter registration.

He said building up institutions to strengthen democracy is important and his country remains focussed on holding a free and fair elections in Bangladesh.

He told a questioner that UK was following the proceedings of the trials carefully. "The trial of the two top leaders need to be carried out in a transparent manner."

Responding to a question on misuse of aid in some countries, he said his country attaches great importance to accountability so that taxpayers money cannot be misused anywhere.

UK's commitment, he said, is to work with politicians and business people of Bangladesh. Responding to questions on lifting of the emergency, he said, he hoped the message of his country has been well received.

He also visited a UK DFID-funded project to help the poorest and most vulnerable adapt to the threat of climate change in the country's chars.

Miliband recalled his meetings with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda and Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed. He described his talks with them useful.

Asked whether he got any specific indication of timeline of lifting the state of emergency during his discussions, the British foreign minister said, "We think it is important to lift the state of emergency to all intent possible and the message is received as well."

About transparency in trial process under the current purge, he said they want charges and cases are dealt with without any deterrent and without any discrimination and law applied without fear or favour, without considering one's position in society.

In reply to a question, he said Britain is not monitoring but carefully following up the cases to see due process is upheld and law is applied without any discrimination.

Asked how Britain justifies a non-elected Government, Miliband said UK's foreign policy is to build on strong and sustainable institutions rather than backing individuals.

Particularly in Bangladesh, he noted, Britain supports at all stages speedy establishment of democracy.

"In our discussions with the Caretaker Government in last 13 months, we have always been focussed not on how they came into power but how they can get out of power and how a clean, fair and effective democracy can be achieved in Bangladesh," said Miliband, at the end of his two-day tour.

The British Foreign Secretary did not subscribe to the notion of national unity government and said it is important to ensure democracy takes its roots. He said after the elections, the major party and the opposition can cooperate if they feel the need.

About his talks with Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed, he said the discussion focussed on democracy, constitution, democratic rule, independent army separated from politics and army's role in UN peacekeeping missions.

He said General Moeen assured that the Army would remain separated from the politics.

David Miliband, who came here Friday from Afghanistan, said his visit to Dhaka was based on four themes-politics, governance, the rule of law and human rights, economic development, climate change, and tackling extremism.

Hoping that his visit would open up a 'new partnership', the British Minister said he came to Bangladesh as a friend but was returning to Britain as a greater friend.

Asked about adverse impacts of climate change on Bangladesh, he said since Bangladesh is a vulnerable country, it should get international support to adaptation.

About extremism, he said it is important that Britain and Bangladesh should work together to tackle political extremism and terrorism.

Bird flu update:Dead crows on campus

Two Dhaka University students watching one of the
three crows found dead on the campus yesterday.
FocusBangla

Staff Reporter

A large number of crows were found dead in the city yesterday. At least three dead crows were also found in Dhaka University area.

Indian laboratories may soon start testing samples from Bangladesh to identify the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

India is planning to ask the Bangladesh government crippled by a severe bird flu outbreak, to send ground samples to the laboratories there for rapid testing and genetic sequencing.

Syed Ataur Rahman, Secretary of Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, said that samples are being sent all the way to the OIE Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza in Weybridge in UK for testing.

"Bangladesh does not have its own facility to genetically sequence virus strains. That's why samples are being continuously sent to Thailand and UK," he said.

India has world-class bio-security level (BSL) III and IV laboratories, like the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL) in Bhopal and National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.

Meanwhile, Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has set up a control room in the DCC on Friday to receive any information on the outbreak of bird-flu and called for the removal and disposal of the dead chicken, duck, pigeon or crows found in the city area.

An emergency review meeting of the DCC yesterday took the decision for setting up of the control room with telephone numbers 9556014 and 9004734.

Veterinary officer of the DCC Dr Azmat Ali will be in charge of the control room.

Dr Azmat said, "The meeting decided to provide special drum and container in 50 kitchen markets in the capital city to dump the dead fowls and leftovers of the poultry birds and carry the wastes in special container to Matuail landfill to bury.

The meeting discussed the programmes jointly taken by the DCC and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in the city to control the outbreak of the bird-flu.

The H5N1 virus was first detected in Bangladesh in March 2007. Since then, over 39 districts out of 64 of the country have been affected by bird flu.

Pradeep Kumar, Animal Husbandry Secretary of India, said that India was planning to extend a helping hand to its neighbouring countries in testing their samples, said Dr Azmat.

BCS examination: DU students demand rationalisation of quota system

Dhaka University students brought out a procession
on the campus demanding rationalisation of quota system in
the appointment of civil service jobs. Banglar
Chokh

DU Correspondent

Dhaka University students demanded a rational rearrangement of the quota system in all government services including Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) instead of the existing 55 per cent quota before the upcoming 28th BCS examination.

Students' Movement against oppression, a platform of DU students supported by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), placed the demand at a press conference at the university's Madhu's canteen on Saturday.

"We want a solution to the existing anomaly in the quota system immediately for proper evaluation of the meritorious students alongside showing respect to the freedom fighters by preserving a rational number of posts for their children in government services", Khomeni Ihsan, convener of the student body, said.

In reality, only six to eight out of 30 per cent quota for the children of freedom fighters and one out of five per cent for the tribal had been filled up during the previous BCS exams. But how the remaining seats of these two quotas had been filled up, was not been clear, they said.

They said the existing quota system, that undermines the meritorious students to enter various vital posts of the state, could not continue for long as the entire teacher community, members of civil society and even the chairman of Public Service Commission of the country seek reform to the system.

They also demanded withdrawal of state of emergency before February 21 to make the wheel of the country's economy dynamic, restore the fundamental rights to the people and keep the judiciary from any interference.

After the press conference, over five hundred students brought out a procession on the campus to drum up support for their demands.

Govt policy, World Bank double standard ruining jute industry

Syful Islam

State-run jute mills are heading towards closure as most of the concerns are making loss over the years due to less utilisation of their full production capacity and many other factors, informed sources said.

On an average the jute mills are making loss of Tk 250 crore each year. During the last five years the mills incurred loss of Tk 1,200 crore, sources said.

Experts said, mismanagement, government's reluctance to provide fund for timely jute purchase, stoppage of raw jute procurement, using of old model machineries of 1960s and the burden of accumulated loans results in the loss making of the mills.

Out of 18 BJMC-run jute mills, 14 are now in production while three others are closed due to fund crisis and the remainder-stopped operation as the government had decaled it laid-off.

The Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation sought Tk 302 crore to procure jute for the mills but got allocation of only Tk 150 crore from the government this year. With the allocation the BJMC bought raw materials for 14 jute mills.

The jute mills stepped in a bank debt of Tk 2,000 crore. A BJMC official said the jute mills already have paid the banks more than Tk 2,000 crore as interest of the loans. The jute sector have no chance to revive unless the government frees the jute mills from the long standing debt and arranges new working capital, he said.

There was a consensus that the state-run jute mills will get Tk 138 crore as working capital on bank client relationship but did not get as those failed to pay the arrears.

Despite the jute mills are facing shortage of working capital and are incurring loss ever year the banks each year are cutting 25 per cent of the export earnings as the interest of previous loans. The average export earnings of BJMC-run jute mills now stands at Tk 6,00 crore.

An official of the BJMC preferring anonymity said balancing, modernisation, rehabilitation and expansion (BMRE) of the jute mills became necessary as those were running with machines of 1960s. These machines are not capable to produce goods up to the present day demand, he said.

Last June the Government closed down four jute mills in line with the prescription of the World Bank. Those are People's Jute Mills in Khulna, Kawmi Jute Mills in Sirajganj, Karnafuli and Forat Karnafuli jute mills in Chittagong. The Government also closed 35 jute mills between 1980 and 1985. With the World Bank and IMF prescription the government closed 10 jute mills from 1992 and 1996. The government terminated 30,000 jute mill workers in 1994 to get some loans from the World Bank.

Meanwhile, when the Bangladeshi jute industry is dying due to losses, new investments in Indian jute sector is registering higher over the year. When the multilateral lending agency World Bank is pressing Bangladesh for closing the jute mills here, it is providing new loans to start new jute mills in India. The double standard policy of World Bank and the IMF is being criticised by the local economists and civil society organisations.

Private sector oil refinery: Tk 20,700 crore Saudi investment deal signed

Staff Reporter

A Saudi business group yesterday signed an agreement with a local business house to invest US 3 billion dollars (Tk 20,700 crore) to set up an oil refinery in Bangladesh with a capacity to produce 300,000 barrels per day, top officials of the two companies said.

Yasin S Indarki, Chairman of Hi-Tech International Group (HTIG) of Saudi Arabia and Dewan Sultan Ahmed, Chairman of Cosmopolitan Oil Refinery Management Limited (CPORML) of Bangladesh signed the deal at a ceremony at a city hotel.

The 100 per cent foreign direct investment project will be completed within 40 months with more than three times higher production capacity than that of the state-run Bangladesh Eastern Refinery Limited (BERL), the lone refinery in the country.

The proposed new refinery will import more than 5 million tonnes of crude oil from Saudi Arabia per year against the 1.5 million tonnes of refinery capacity of BERL, which is located in the port city of Chittagong.

Official sources said the country imports 3.8 million tonnes of fuel, including about 1.5 million tonnes of crude oil every year. The price difference between refined and crude oil is up to US 10 dollar per barrel in the country.

While the BERL supplies refined oil to three state-owned oil firms-Jamuna, Padma, Meghna-for distribution across the country, the proposed new project would export its entire finished product in the neighbouring counties.

After signing the agreement, CPORML Chairman Dewan Sultan Ahmed told journalists that the new refinery would be able to go for production on time (after 40 months) if everything goes well.

The plant will use most modern fractional distillation and hydrocarbon cracking technology to refine the crude, he said.

"We are committed to ensure the plant as environmentally friendly," Sultan said.

Yasin S Indarki, Chairman of the HTIG said at the deal signing ceremony that as the sponsor of the project they would be able to implement the project with assistance from Bangladeshi partner.

He said, "It is a happy day for us as we are joining in development activities in Bangladesh, one of the biggest Islamic and our best brotherly countries in the world."

Appellate Div hears govt petition today: HC quashment of Hasina's trial

UNB, Dhaka

All eyes are on the Appellate Division as it is poised to hear today a government petition seeking a stay on the operation of the High Court judgment that declared illegal the extortion case against detained ex-PM Sheikh Hasina for trial under the Emergency Power Rules (EPR).

Earlier on Wednesday, the High Court, following a writ petition of Hasina, quashed the entire trial proceedings of the Tk 3-crore extortion case filed by businessman Azam J Chowdhury.

The Appellate Division's decision is seen crucial on two counts-upholding the image of the highest judiciary and the fate of all the corruption cases being tried under the EPR.

Court sources said Attorney General Fida M Kamal, the chief government law officer, has filed the stay petition as it prefers leave to appeal to overturn the High Court verdict.

On the other hand, Barrister Rafique-ul Huq, the principal counsel for Hasina, encountered the government petition. The government said since it has not yet received the certified copy of the HC judgment, it wants an interim stay on operation of the HC judgement and orders.

The government further submitted that the High Court what it said exceeded its jurisdiction in quashing the trial proceedings of the extortion case for trial under the EPR.

Barrister Rafique-ul Huq opposed the government plea on the grounds that the government has not complied with the set rules of the Appellate Division in filing the provisional leave petition. "So, it cannot be entertained for hearing."

He contended that unless the High Court orders and judgment are set aside by the Appellate Division through hearing a regular leave petition on merit, the High Court judgment cannot be stayed.

Any such attempt would amount to frustrating the High Court judgment passed under Article 102 of the Constitution, as Article 102 is one of the basic pillars of the Constitution. "Such a provision cannot be frustrated or knocked down without examining the judgement of the High Court Division."

He further said there is no urgency in the case, since the respondent (Hasina) cannot come out of jail only for the HC judgment.

If the High Court verdict is stayed and the trial is allowed to be continued and concluded, then Hasina shall suffer an irreparable loss and injury, the counsel argued.

Disagreeing with the government plea on quashing the trial proceedings of the extortion case by the HC exceeding its jurisdiction, Barrister Huq, citing case decisions, said, "If the High Court gives any relief beyond its Rule, such an action is admissible."

Concern over use of unsafe CNG cylinders

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners' Association urged the Government to ensure safe fitting of CNG cylinders in vehicles.

"We urge responsible Government body to take immediately step to stop illegal CNG conversion from Diesel and petrol runner," Shafiul Islam Kamal, President of the CNG Owners Association, said at a press conference yesterday in the city.

Beside that we are expressing our concern over the use of low quality equipment including cylinder. A fatal disaster might occur any time, he added.

"A cylinder needs to be retested after every five years from the date of manufacturing. But ironically, it is not being followed," Kamal said.

He suggested, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) should issue vehicle fitness certificate only after appropriate tests, including CNG equipments and verifying certificates from manufacturer or from authorised testing centres in Bangladesh.

He also expressed his anxiety over the mushroom growth of CNG conversion centres and filling stations without proper authorisation. He stressed the need for inspection of cylinders of vehicles on a regular basis to avoid casualties.

Manoranjan Bhakta, Vice President and Zakir Hossain Nayon Secretary General of the CNG Owners Association were present at the press conference, among others.

Quick disposal of graft cases creates confusion: TIB Chairman says

TIB Chairman Prof. Muzaffar Ahmed addressing a
conference of the conscientious citizens at the
Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre in the city yesterday.
Focus Bangla

UNB, Dhaka

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) chairman Prof. Mozaffar Ahmed Saturday said confusion has been created about quick dispensation of justice in corruption cases under existing laws due to legal complexities involved in the anti-graft process.

He, however, said that during the anti-corruption drive in last one year it has been established that none is above law. "The anti-corruption drive has established that none is above law. But, as legal intricacy has surfaced in the anti-corruption process, confusion has been created whether one would be punished quickly under the concerned law," the TIB chairman told reporters at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. Earlier, he inaugurated an annual conference of 'Sachetan Nagorik Committee' (committee of concerned citizens) where some 500 of its members participated. TIB trustee board secretary general and Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam spoke at the conference on 'Citizen's Role in Anti-corruption Movement'.

Asked about the legal complexities, the TIB chairman said government institutions like the Taskforce, NBR, police and Anti-Corruption Commission are engaged in the anti-graft drive. But on one hand there is lack of coordination among the various agencies and on the other over enthusiasm among some people made things complex. Mahfuz Anam said: "Our failure is that we could not free politics from corruption. An elected government will be the only acceptable government if we want to see Bangladesh as an acceptable democratic state."

"Those who will come (to power) will have to be entirely free from corruption. If politicians themselves are not personally free from corruption,

Bangladesh will not be a democratic country," he said, adding that change in institutions and mentality is required for this, else the leadership would not be free from corruption. Anam said there is a trend in the country that persons who commit corruption get elected. This tradition must be demolished. "We've to create an overall environment so everyone knows that the corrupt won' t get vote, won't get elected."

TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman and convenor of Savar Sacheton Nagorik Committee (Sanak) Zainal Abedin Khan also spoke at the function.

Formed by the TIB, Sanak is a network of committees of concerned citizens aimed at creating a social movement against corruption. The two-day conference has been organized jointly by Sanak and Youth Engagement and Support (YES), another TIB initiative to implement countrywide youth activities against corruption.

Country passing thru' crucial time, says Justice Habibur Rahman

BSS, Savar

Former chief adviser of the caretaker government Justice Habibur Rahman yesterday said the country is now passing through a crucial time and hoped that it would be able to overcome the situation successfully.

"We are responsible for this situation as the country is not ruled by foreigners and we can't blame them," he said while addressing as the chief guest a reunion programme of "Ujjiban", a platform of optimistic people, of The Hunger Project, Bangladesh at Ganosastha Kendra here.

He urged the people of all sections of society, especially the youth community, to work for building a participatory administration for getting over the present situation.

Eminent jurist and Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain, former advisers of caretaker governments Sultana Kamal, Professor Rehman Sobhan and M Hafiz Uddin Khan, President of 'SUJAN' Professor Muzaffer Ahmad and Country Director of Hunger Project Dr Badiul Alam Mazumder, among others, addressed the function chaired by convenor of reunion committee Professor Mahfuza Khanam.

Dr Kamal said the country does have the strength to materialise the dreams of independence for building a prosperous Bangladesh. Now it is necessary to properly evaluate and utilise the strength, he observed.

Those who create obstacles, Dr Kamal asserted, towards the path of meaningful change of the country, want to keep the people of Bangladesh stagnant and dependent on others.

Sultana Kamal said, "We have a lot of responsibilities as the citizens of an independent country. We need to sharpen our spirit and we have to erase all the stigmas of the country realising the depth of all the movements and struggles."

Prof Rehman Sobhan urged the people, particularly the youth community, to take part in the ongoing reforms for the democratic process.

Prof Muzaffer Ahmad put emphasis on establishing democracy and a participatory government for solving the existing problems.

India bans rice export to Bangladesh

UNB, Benapole

India has banned rice export to Bangladesh by private exporters landing the importers who have opened L/Cs in trouble.

Hundreds of rice loaded truck were stuck up at all the Indian side of the southwest land ports following the sudden ban order issued by the Indian government, port officials said.

Expressing surprise at the export ban, Indian rice exporter Nirmal Shikari told UNB they will take legal course seeking permission of delivery of the consignments for which L/Cs opened before the order issued on February 7.

Another report from Hilli land port in Dinajpur said, the ban on rice export to Bangladesh by private exporters was issued on Thursday as the millers refused to sell 50 percent of their products to the government.

Indian government fixed the rice procurement price at Rs 11.30kg when the market price is more than Rs 13.

The millers at Bardwan, Gangarampur, Gazal and Mehedipara in West Bengal demonstrated on Monday against the low procurement price. They sold all their products to the exporters at much higher prices.

This prompted the government to ban the export, said Ganesh Prosad, secretary of importers association at Hilli land port.

Citizens group demands removal of controversial judges

Staff Reporter

Citizen Rights Movement, a non-government human rights organisation, yesterday put up 10-point charter of demands such as removal of the controversial judges of the higher courts, who were appointed under political consideration during the previous governments. The demands include formation of a judicial commission by appointing a senior lawyer as ombudsman for a close watch on overall judiciary to establish a welfare and an ideal state.

The demands were placed at a round table meeting of the organisation held at the National Press Club with its Adviser Group Captain (Retd) Engineer Md Alfaz in the chair.

The demands also include enactment of a law ensuring punishment for filing false statements by eyewitnesses or investigation officers, bringing amendment to the Article 70 of the Constitution relating to floor crossing in Parliament to remove inconsistence in it, taking measure to ensure holding trials of 'big fishes' and confiscating their movable and immovable property and executing those people who are involved in corruption of an amount over Tk five crore by firing squad.

Addressing the meeting, the speakers observed the present government has to take the responsibility to remove the controversial judges.

They said the removal of controversial judges is urgent to bring back the confidence of the people on judiciary:

Supreme Court Bar Association President Barrister Amir-ul Islam recommended formation of a judiciary reforms commission to strengthen the country's judicial system.

"The country is now passing through a critical time. An independent and clean judiciary is essential for the success of democratisation," he said adding, "It is time for its implementation. A judiciary reforms commission has to be formed on an emergency basis to remove controversial and inefficient judges."

Emphasising the need for ensuring transparency in the appointment of judges, he said it is not fair to appoint judges through a secret meeting of a few.

"Some criteria have to be fixed for judges' appointment, including advertisements, written tests and interviews," he said..

Citizens Rights Movement Secretary General Tusar Rehman presented keynote paper. Journalist Mizanur Rahman Khan also presented another paper.

"The Supreme Judicial Council has to be made effective to remove spineless and corrupt judges," he observed.

Former lawmaker Faruq Khan said there is a provision in the constitution to remove the controversial judges.

"I do not think that it's necessity to form a new commission. However, there should be a commission for appointing efficient judges in future," he said.

Dr Zafarullah Chowdhury of Ganosasthya said there should be a provision for publishing the wealth statement of judges to the public.

Among others, the meeting was also addressed, by JSD president A.S.M. Abdur Rab, writer Syed Abul Maqsud, former DG of BDR Maj Gen (Retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman, Advocate Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Advocate Mahbub Alam Dulal, Eng. Mominul Rahman, Maj (Retd) Mofizul Haque and Wing Commander (Retd) Advocate M Aziz Khan.

Death threat to Abul Barakat

Staff Reporter

Professor of Department of Economics of Dhaka University Dr Abul Barakat yesterday filed a General Diary (GD) in Shahbag police station in the city.

Dr Barakat yesterday sent a copy of the GD and a letter to the New Nation office. In the letter, he said, “A letter has been sent to me on February 6 under the banner of 'Sachetan Samaj’ along with a piece of burial cloth. They gave me a death threat in the letter. The letter was sent from Badda.”

His GD number is Shahbag Thana, 499/08, date: 08/02/08, DMP, Dhaka.