The New Nation - Internet Edition

Artificial insemination improves cattle breeding in northern region

BSS, Rajshahi

Artificial insemination of cows is gaining popularity in the northern region following significant achievement in improving the cattle breeding system.

Regional Artificial Insemination Centre has been playing a pioneering role in making the programme popular among the cultivators and it has attained a remarkable success in this regard, officials said.

Established on 3.5 acres of land at Upashahar area in Rajshahi metropolis in 1965, the centre has so far brought 133 unions along with 32 upazila headquarters under Rajshahi, Chapainawabgonj, Naogaon and Natore districts under its working coverage through two types of inseminations like liquid semen and deep frozen semen.

Talking to BSS, officials said there are 165 artificial insemination sub-centrer and points in the region where some 2.12 lakh cattle were inseminated and 53,809 calves were born during the last one and a half years till December last. A trained and skilled worker was appointed for the purpose at each of the centres.

To make the activities effective and successful, some 550 unemployed youths were imparted modern training for the insemination purposes under the artificial insemination and embryo transplantation project.

The centre has earned around Taka 4.19 lakh as insemination service charge during the same period and deposited the money to the government exchequer, sources said.

Due to the cross breeding the cows are giving milk ten times more than the previous record, said Alhaj Abdus Samad, a successful dairy farmer in the city. As a result, milk import has been decreased and number of dairy farms has been increased creating employment opportunities, he added.

Officials said the country had to depend on import of deep frozen semen from abroad around seven to eight years ago. But at present it became capable to produce the semen according to its requirement through commissioning of two deep frozen semen production laboratories and two liquid nitrogen production plants.

One of the laboratories and plants established at Rajabarihat Dairy Farm in the district has been producing deep liquid semen and liquid nitrogen and distributing those among the farmers at an affordable price.

Artificial insemination has a vital role to play in expansion of the cattle breeding and the program could be implemented successfully if all the villages are brought under the coverage.

Emphasis should be given on supply of logistic supports and motivation of people to further expand the artificial insemination programme for the sake of enhancing meat and milk production, experts said.

Decision to establish Rangpur University welcomed

BSS, Gaibandha

The people from all walks of life in the district have welcomed the decision of the Caretaker Government to establish a full-fledged university in Rangpur.

The council of advisers at a meeting at Rangpur Circuit House on February 2, with Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed in the chair, took the decision to set up the university with the aim of facilitating the students of the northern region to receive higher education.

Since the decision was announced, the leaders of different professional groups in the district have congratulated the government for taking the decision.

M. Wahedunnabi Mintu, Convener, district unit command of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangshad said, " We are very happy as a long-felt demand of the people of northern districts is going to be fulfilled by the Caretaker government".

Shajada Anwarul Quadir, president of Gaibandha Chamber of Commerce and Industry said "It is a good and welfare-oriented decision for the people of Rangpur region. This university will play a vital role in spreading higher education among the students of the northern region".

Aminul Islam Golap, Convener of Nagarik Committee, Gaibandha said, "Undoubtedly, it is a good decision for the people of Rangpur region. I would like to see its implementation as early as possible because such a decision was not implemented by the previous governments due to unknown reasons".

In this regard, Gaibandha Press Club President M Rabiul Hossain said, " We are eagerly waiting when its (university) academic function will start and our children go to university with festive mood".

Talking to many people in the district, it is learnt that the people had been dreaming of a university in this region and this dream is going to be materialised by the Caretaker Government.

Krishi Bank MD visits Sidr-hit areas

New Managing Director of Bangladesh Krishi Bank Md. Mukter Hussain starts an extensive tour with a view to monitoring the on-going Post-Sidr Rehabilitation Programme of the Bank. During his tour program he exchanged views on the Rehabilitation Programme with the bank executives of the affected areas of Khulna, Barisal and Faridpur divisions and give necessary directions to them. Moreover he will practically observe the progress of the Bank's Rehabilitation Programme in the Sidr- effected localities, says a press release.

On the other hand, Deputy Managing Director M. Fazlul Hoque will visit Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions, Deputy Managing Director Nurul Huda Chowdhury will visit Chittagong and Comilla divisions and General Manager (Administration) Md. Liaquat Ali Khan will visit Sylhet division during the same period. They will monitor, evaluate various programme and activities of the bank in those areas and give necessary advice and directions to the concerned persons engaged in implementation of those programmes.

Elderly person killed in Sunamganj road accident

BSS, Sunamganj

An elderly person was killed in a road accident at Rowly village in Jawa Bazar union under Chhatok upazila in the district on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said the dead was identified as Nur Ali, 60 of Rowly village. He was crossing the road a Sylhet -bound autorickshaw ran over him. Local people rushed him to hospital but he succumbed to his injuries.

Naogaon Newsletter

Language hero dead

Our Correspondent, Naogaon

Naogaon mother language hero and politician Sheikh Nurul Islam alias Bhaklu (72) died after prolonged illness at local Sadar hospital on January 26.

He served as founder-headmaster of Chak-Enayet High School for several years. He was secretary of Naogaon Arts Council, member of the historic century up Naogaon Coronation Theatre Hall Society and also associated with several social organisations. He started his political career as Bhasani NAP worker who was jailed for several years during defunct Pakistan Ayub regime.

His Namaz-e-janaza was held at local Eidgah Naowazoan maidan, attended by politicians, journalists, elites and others, and was buried at local Central Graveyard. He left behind his widow, 3 daughters, 1 son, grand-children and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his tragic death.

One killed in land dispute clash

One person was killed and nine others injured in a clash between two rival groups in a land dispute on January 29 on Archa village of Balu Hela Union Parishad under Badalgachi upazila in the district.

One Alauddin succumbed to his injuries at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Among injured persons, four were rushed to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital and others were admitted at Badalgachi Health Complex. Police arrested six persons in a case filed with the thana. Superintendent of Police, Sardar, Nurul Ameen and O.C. Soel Afza rushed to the spot.

BDR-run sale

centre opens

Naogaon Army camp Commander Lt. Col. Shamim Ahsan Zakdul, PSC, inaugurated total 15 (fifteen) rice shops at control price in the district recently. The said, shops are Sadar district- three, Mohadevpur -2 and one in other ten upazilas each. Guti Saran rice is selling at Tk. 26 per K.G. in the said shops. The army camp also opened 2 Chasi bazar in district sadar as free toll. One Chasi bazar of fishes and pot-herbs (ZiKvwi) will be opened in all upazilas soon by the Army camp, it is learnt.

Foreign delegates visit Adivashi village

A team from England visited Advivashi Palli village in Dhamoirhat Upazila in the district on January 26, organised by NGO Barendra Bohumukhi Samaj Unnayan Sangstha. The team met with local Adivashi members, Union Parishad Chairmen and members, and also discussed frankly on their problems. Later the team witnessed an attractive musical soirce and dance at Jagodal village, participated by Adivashis of both sexes.

Chasi market inaugurated

A toll-free village Chasi market was opened at Mohadevpur Sadar Upazila in the district on January 31, inaugurated by Naogaon district Army Camp Deputy Commander Major Sayeedul Islam Sayeed. The function was presided over by Mohadevpur Uazila Nirbahai Office Nazrul Islam, addressed among others were Deputy Commander Major Sayeed, Sadar union Parishad Chairman Riasath Haider Tagore, Abdus Salam and others.

Sgt Zahurul Haque’s death anniversary observed

Bangladesh Air Force observed the 39th death anniversary of Sergeant Zahurul Haque with due solemnity on Friday.

On the occasion a mafil-e-milad was arranged at the central mosque of the BAF Base Zahurul Haque after Jumma prayer. Officers and all ranks of the Air Base attended the milad prayers seeking the divine blessings for departed soul of the deceased and also, for the continued peace and prosperity of the country were offered, says a ISPR press release.

News Briefs

Cobra venom seized

PABNA, Feb 16: Rapid Action Battalion recovered illegal Cobra venom worth about Tk 30 crore from Bonwarinagar in Faridpur upazila on Thursday and arrested four people in this connection. Acting on a tip-off, a team of RAB 12, in the guise of buyer of venom, contacted the smugglers at a house in Tiapara village at noon. During the negotiation with the anti-crime force in disguise, the smugglers agreed to sale the venom of a French company at Tk 35 crore, the RAB sources said. The RAB troops then cordoned off the smugglers and recovered 12 pounds venom from their possessions. They also arrested Sakhwat Hossain of Sirajganj and Aziz Pramanik, Shafiqul Islam and Sirajul Islam of Pabna, reports UNB.

51 held in Bagerhat

BAGERHAT, Feb 16: Police arrested 51 more people in their ongoing special drives in nine upazilas of the district Thursday night. With the latest arrest, 452 people have been arrested so far since February 5 on various charges. Police started the special operation in the district to nab terrorists and to recover hidden arms and spurious drugs. Over 800 members of district police are taking part in the special raids, reports UNB.

24,757 chickens culled

COMILLA, Feb 16: Some 24,757 fowls were culled at bordering seven villages of Adarsha Sadar upazila from Wednesday to Thursday night after detection of avian influenza. District Livestock officials said some chickens of Miah Bhai poultry farm, owned by Tofazzal Hossain, died in last couple of days at Jhakunipara village of the upazila and the dead chickens were sent to Dhaka for laboratory test. After detection of H5N1 virus, a total of 23,296 domestic and poultry chickens, 1,231 ducks, 196 pigeons, 34 swans and 8,216 eggs were destroyed in seven villages, reports UNB.

Rajbari Bar Assoc election held

RAJBARI, Feb 16: The election of Rajbari District Bar Association was held at its Library Auditorium amid much enthusiasm on Wednesday. In the peaceful election Ganesh Narayan Chowdhury was elected as president and ATM Mosfata as general secretary. Of the total 11 posts, Sammilita Ainjibi Samannay Parishad bagged 10 posts, including that of president and general secretary, while Ganotantrik Ainjibi Samity bagged only the post of assistant general secretary, reports UNB.

Rice allocated under VGF programme

RANGPUR, Feb 16: The government has sanctioned 42,750 mts of rice under vulnerable group feeding (VGF) programme for distribution among destitute families in five districts of greater Rangpur region. Official sources said 570,000 destitute families were allocated VGF cards with a view to ensure food security and to arrest price hike of rice. Of the total, 140,000 cards were distributed each for Rangpur and Gaibandha districts while 100,000 each for Kurigram and Nilphamari and 90,000 for Lalmonirhat district under the supervision of joint forces, reports UNB.

2 killed in road mishap

CHUADANGA, Feb 16: Two people were killed in separate road accidents in the district Thursday. Police said Shariful Islam, 45, died on the spot when he fell down from the rooftop of a bus in Alamdanga Upazila bus terminal in the evening. He hailed from Gobindapur village in the Upazila. In another accident, a woman was killed in a road accident near rail crossing in the town. The dead was identified as Shamsunnahar, 25, wife of Harun-ur-Rashid of Monirampur village in Sadar Upazila, reports UNB.