The New Nation - Internet Edition

Cooperation from all quarters to arrest price hike of essentials underscored

Most Shamsun Naher, Rajshahi

Members of Joint Forces(JF) at an opinion sharing meeting aiming at controlling prices of essential commodities' with the local elites held here at the auditorium of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Thursday afternoon have mentioned, the country has been spinning into a dishonest circle, that is why the prices of essential commodities could not be kept under control. They further said, the power of JF was very limited and they(JF) had started the market operation' very recently and they were never at the depth of the problems that is why it was impossible for them to control the market price without the cooperation from all quarters.

The JF members also blamed the role of media for the unstable market price but the journalists at the function upheld their logic against the blame and explained there was no truth in the words' media created'.

The JF officials discussed elaborately and openly with the trade leaders including the importers, bank executives, media and local businessmen about the problems of keeping the market price of essential commodities under control. The importers and traders, however, pledged to try their best to keep the price of essential commodities under control. The importers of Rajshahi mentioned that they are still facing a huge problem in opening of LCs from the state-owned banks. They further said, an importer has to open an LC for a minimum amount of US$ 505 for importing of one metric tonne of rice whereas the exporters in India sent rice worth US$ 425 and rest of security money of US$ 70 is returned by the Indian exporters but due to banking and official litigation, it takes a long time to get the money back. As a result, the importers have to invest a huge amount of money for importing rice and other commodities.

The imprters said, as a result of unatuaral delay in getting back the security money, the price of imported goods increased naturally and often the importers have to depend on 'hoondi traders' to bring back the money.

Shahidullah Sharif, an importer of rice at Sona Masjid land port, mentioned, he had opened an LC for importing of 6,000 metric tonnes of rice from India in last December. He has already imported 3,000 metric tonnes and he has taka six crore 30 lakh left with the Indian exporters which would take a long time to get back through proper channel.

The importers further informed, there should be the system of Preshipment Inspection (PSI) so that the importers are not cheated by the exporters and mentioned that often it is seen that low grade commodities like rice, wheat, etc. are sent by the exporters as against the sample submitted.

In case of mandatory insurance, the importers said, there should not be mandatory insurance for the importers for land port transport which is only a few metre from one border to another.

Presided over by Hasen Ali, President of RCCI, the meeting was attended and spoke among others by Abu Hena Md. Razee Hassan, General Manager, Bangladesh Bank, Rajshahi, Major Kawser Ahmed, second-in-command of the Task Force, Major Kazi Mahmudunnabi, G, of RAB-5, Rajshahi, Major Sayed Golam Wadud, second in command, 10 Rifle Battalion, Rajshahi, Binoy Kumar Sikder, Manager, National Bank, Abrar Hossain, Manager, Jamuna Bank Limited, SM Zahedul Karim, ADC( General), Rajshahi, Lt. Munim Ferdous, Mustafizur Rahman Saodagar, Director, RCCI, Shahidullah Shelu, Khandker Hafizur Rahman, Kamal Uddin, Khandker Mainul Islam, Saidur Rahman Pintu, Romel and Nazrul Islam.

Naogaon Newsletter

Election rally held

Our Correspondent, Naogaon

A big election working group rally of Niamatpur upazila, for voter list and national identity card, was held at Niamatpur Sadar, led by UNO Sayeedur Rahman, attended by chairmmen, union parishad members, students, journalists, staffs of UNO ofice and others recently. The rally paraded main roads, chanting slogans for encouraging the entry of voter list and national identity cards campaign. A workshop, organised by Barendra Bahumuki Unnayan Project was held at Patnitola upazila parishad, presided over by executive engineer Rakiuzzaman, attended by Patnitola upazila nirbahai officer Md. Abdul Mannan as chief guest recently.

Upazila agriculture officr Abu Sayeem, assistant engineer Rafiqul Hassan, project director Abdul Latiff and others spoke on the occasion.

Drainage construction inaugurated

Chairman of Dhamoirhat Pourashava Md. Aminur Rahman inaugurated one pucca drainage construction work on January 24 in a simple ceremony. The construction of it would be 14 (fourteen) lakh taka, measuring about 358 metre long, attended by all walks of people including journalists and others.

Office-bearers elected

The election of Naogaon district leather businessmen Association was held for one year term on January 16, consisting of total 15 (fifteen) members.

Md. Alauddin Khan and Md. Momtaz Hossain were elected as president and general secretary respectively.

Others elected were vice president- Md. Abdur Rahman Tarafder, asst. general secretary-Zamatul Islam Pramanik and treasurer- Mohammad Ali.

Body recovered

A dead body was recovered from mamma's residence Ismail member of Vatka village in Raninagar upazila on January 6.

The dead was identified as Ferdousi (35), wife of late Sukabar Ai Sardr of Moria village in Atrai upazila in the district, who came to his mamma's residence. She was murdered by hanging if was suspected, according to police source reported.

Her youngest brother Abdul Mannan filed a case with the thana about this connection.

Obitutary

Kismat Ali, retired headmaster of Saraswathi high school died in Dhaka recently.

He was president of Naogaon district teachers' association (Non-govt.) and also was general secretary of Mohadevpur thana BNP in the district.

Construction of pucca road opens

Chairman of Nazimpur pourashava under Patnitola upazila Al-Haj Md. AminulHuq inaugurated a pucca road construction between Nazipur press club to government gravyard in Dhamoirhat upazila on January 23 in a simple ceremony which has been a long standing demand of localities. Elite of localities including businessmen and journalists were present.

Tk 23 lakh sanctioned for Sidr victims sent back to govt treasury

Our Correspondent, Bagerhat

As per instruction of the higher authority Rangal Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Bagerhat, sent back Tk. 23 lakh to the government, which was sanctioned for rebuilding Sidr battered houses of the area.

With commendable rapidity and utmost care about 1 cr. 64 lakh taka have been disbursed among the affected people in Rangal Upazila. But as utter surprise more than four hundred applications of the victims are shall lying with the local PIO office which requires to be physically verified by the local agency so that the affected persons could be helped.

Hence, it is urged upon the concerned higher authority to review the matter and arrange to return the amount for serving the purpose most.

Obituary

Our Correspondent, Kishoreganj

Professor Ziauddin Ahmed (Retd). founder president of Kishoreganj Press Club and Ex-chairman, Bangla Department of Gurudhuail Govt. College died at 8.15 PM on Monday night at Ibne-Sina Hospital in Dhaka. He was 86.

He left behind two sons, one daughter a host of relatives, friends and well-wishers to mourn his death. His Namaj-e-Janaza was held at Gurudhuail College Mosque.

He will be buried at his village home at Raipura under Narshinghdi district. He started his career in the erstwhile The Morning News as Kishoreganj Correspondent in 1954. He also worked for The Observer and Dainik Bangla.

Former Speaker and Deputy Leader of Opposition in Parliament Advocate Abdul Hamid expressed deep shock at the death of Prof Ziauddin Ahmed.

RU teachers form human chain

RU Correspondent

The teachers of Rajshahi University (RU formed human chain for hurling cocktail at Prof. (DU) Arifin Siddiquis house, the teacher of Mass communication and Journalism dept. of Dhaka Univesity (DU) on Monday.

The teachers formed human chain in front of Central Library of RU from 11 AM to 11.30 AM.

The programme was participated by Prof. Moloy Kumar Bhoumic, Prof. A.S.M. Abubaccar, Prof. Ananda Kumar, Prof. Sams Uddin Ilias, Prof. Sujid Sarker, Prof. Dulal Chandra Biswas, Prof Selim Reja Nuton. Prof Mosiur Rahman, Prof Abdullah Al Mamun, Tanbir Ahmed, Mustak Ahmed, Satil Siraz Shuvo, Faiezuzzaman and Robiul Islam.

One of the Teachers Prof. Dulal Chanda Biswas said, nobody can't stop legal and fine life of teachers by adopting such kind of human activitiy. He also demanded to govt. for providing security of Prof. Arefin Siddiki and all of the teachers.

Month-long 'Bijoy Mela' begins in Moulvibazar

Our Correspondent, Moulvibazar

A month-long Bijoy Mela organised by the Muktijoddha Sangsad began at Moulvibazar Sadar upazila headquarters be san on Feb 2 lat.

A large number of freedom fighters, officials, local elite and people from all sections attended the inaugural function held at at Kasinath Alauddin High School playground. DC Moulvibazar Md. Al Akhma Siddique inaugurated the fair. Upazila commander of Muktijoddha Sangsad Harun Miah chaired the inaugural function. ASP Moulvibazar Motiur Rahman, educationist & ex pourashava Chairman Sayeed Mohosin Ali spoke, among others.

Youth killed over trifling matter in Ctg

Our Correspondent, Chittagong

A youth was killed reportedly over trifling matter here at city's Saraipara area under Pahartali police station on Wednesday morning.

The victim was identified as Moammad Sawkat (30), hailed from Kazir Dighir par at Saraipara. Police arrested two women in connection with the killing.

The arrestees are Chenowara Begum (40) and Monowara Begum (25).

Police said that members of two families engaged in brawl at about 10:00 AM. reportedly over establishing supremacy on each other. At one stage of heated altercation rivals attacked on Sawkat and squeezed his testicies.

He got fainted instantly and died within few minutes. Police arrested the women immediately after the incident.

A case has been recorded with Pahartali police station in connection with the murder.

News briefs

Shutter gun recovered

CHAPAINAWABGANJ, Feb 9: Rapid Action Battalion members recovered a firearm from a house at Kalinagar village in Bholahat upazila early Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, members of RAB-5 raided the house of Alimuddin and recovered the shutter gun from his chicken pen at about 1:00 AM. None was arrested in this connection, reports UNB.

Valuables looted

BOGRA, Feb 9: Dacoits looted valuables worth Tk 4 lakh from four houses in Shajahanpur upazila of the district Tuesday night. Police said a gang of 15/20 robbers swooped on the house of Abdur Razzaque at Partekur village at dead of night and took away cash Tk 60,000, some 10 tolas of gold ornaments and other valuables after tying up the inmates. The gang also swooped on three other houses at neighbouring Kharna Fakirpara village on the same night and looted cash Tk 42,000, seven tolas of gold and other valuables, reports UNB. Assistant Police Super Basiruddin visited the spots. Separate cases were filed with the police.

12 sentenced to 14-yr jail

RAJBARI, Feb 9: A court here on Wednesday sentenced 12 people to 14 years rigorous imprisonment each in a dacoity case. The convicts were identified as Lalon Halder, Tanzir alias Nayan, Swapan alias Harun-ur-Rashid, Janu, Shamim, Masum, Kochi alias Madhu, Alam Joyenuddin, Murad, Manik, Biplob and Shahin. Of them, Alam Joyenuddin, Murad, Manik, Biplob and Shahin were tried in absentia, reports UNB.

Programme to raise bird flu awareness held

COMILLA, Feb 9: Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) on Wednesday launched a programme to raise awareness among the local people about bird flu at different border areas of the district with the slogan - 'Be aware, make the country bird flu free.' As part of the programme, Rifles Battalion-33 organised a discussion on deadly disease bird flu on the premises of Galiara union in Sadar Dakkhin upazila with UP Chairman Shahidur Rahman in the chair. BDR sector commander of Comilla Col. Nakibur Rahman attended the programme as chief guest. Later, he visited a number of local poultry farms. He told the journalists that they would continue their mass awareness campaign within 310 kms frontier areas of the district, reports UNB.

Urea seized in Jhenidah

JHENIDAH, Feb 9: Police seized a truck loaded with 240 sacks of urea on Jhenidah-Chuadanga road on Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off, police chased the truck but the driver fled the scene leaving the vehicle near an under-construction jail, on the outskirts of the district town. Later, they recovered 240 sacks of urea from the truck. None was arrested in this connection, reports UNB.

One killed in Goalando road mishap

GOALANDO (Rajbari), Feb 9: A man, who was injured in a road accident in the Upazila on Saturday, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Sultan Mollah, 45, son of Gani Mollah of Juran Mollar Para in the Upazila. Sultan Mollah was injured when a BRTC bus hit him at Doulatdia Canal terminal on Doulatdia-Khulna highway on Saturday. He was admitted to Goalando Health Complex first and later shifted to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, reports UNB.

Fire burns huge jute in Pabna

PABNA, Feb 9: Fire gutted huge quantity of jute at Gorurihat in Atgharia upazila here Tuesday night. Police said miscreants set fire to the jute godown of Goljar Hossain at dead of night that engulfed the entire godown, burning down the raw jute, reports UNB.